This study by Monroy et al. (2025) presents the first randomized-controlled clinical trial examining the psychological effects of an awe-based intervention on individuals suffering from long COVID, a condition marked by persistent post-infection symptoms including depression, anxiety, and stress. The intervention, consisting of weekly online sessions and daily awe practices, was tested on 68 participants across the United States who met CDC criteria for long COVID. The core of the program taught participants how to perceive awe in ordinary experiences by focusing attention, slowing down, and expanding the moment emotionally. Over four weeks, participants in the intervention group reported a 17% decrease in depressive symptoms, 12% reduction in stress, and a 16% increase in well-being, while the control group showed no significant improvements. Interestingly, anxiety symptoms did not differ significantly between the groups, suggesting either a limited effect on this particular variable or the need for more focused interventions. This research builds upon the emerging field of positive psychology, particularly studies on awe, which is understood as an emotion triggered by encounters with something vast that challenges one’s existing mental frames. Prior research has linked awe to reduced stress and increased resilience, and this study confirms those effects in a clinical population. By delivering the program entirely online, the trial also demonstrates the feasibility of remote psychological interventions for vulnerable or isolated groups. These findings highlight awe as a promising low-cost, scalable intervention to promote psychological recovery in long COVID patients, with potential applications in other contexts of chronic stress or trauma.
Monroy, M., Amster, M., Eagle, J., Zerwas, F.K., Keltner, D. and López, J.E. (2025) ‘Awe reduces depressive symptoms and improves well-being in a randomized-controlled clinical trial’, Scientific Reports, 15, 16453.
