Physiological responses to the overview effect: a virtual reality study on awe

Viewing Earth from space in a virtual reality simulation successfully induces the overview effect and the emotion of awe, which is associated with positive learning gains and significant changes in heart rate and heart rate variability. Peaks in skin conductance responses were also observed during the overview effect. The study measured heart activity, skin conductance, and respiration alongside questionnaire data to understand the psychophysiological effects of this complex emotion combining wonder, reverence, and fear.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Little is known about the physiological responses to the overview effect and, more generally, the emotion of awe, complex epistemic and self-transcendent emotions that combine wonder, reverence and fear. In the current study, measurements of heart activity, skin conductance, and respiration, reflecting emotional arousal and valence, were analysed in combination with questionnaire data to determine their psychophysiological effects. The emotion was induced using a virtual reality simulation of space travel that included an emulation of the overview effect: viewing Earth from space. Results demonstrated that the successful induction of the overview effect and awe was associated with positive learning gains and significant changes in heart rate and heart rate variability. In addition, peaks in skin conductance responses were observed during the overview effect, eliciting epochs within the simulation.