The neural correlates of the awe experience: Reduced default mode network activity during feelings of awe
Human Brain Mapping May 7, 2019 Michiel van Elk, M. Andrea Arciniegas Gomez, Wietske van der Zwaag et al. 122 citations
Watching awe-inspiring videos reduces activity in brain regions linked to self-focused thinking, such as the frontal pole, angular gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex, which are part of the default mode network. In contrast, regions of the fronto-parietal network, including the supramarginal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, and insula, become more active when people analytically count perspective changes while viewing awe videos. These findings suggest that awe diminishes self-referential processing, consistent with participants reporting feeling their self was smaller.