Worship, Awe, and the Small Self
Department
Psychological Sciences
Advisor
Frederickson, Joel
Location
Bethel University
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
2-26-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
2-26-2025 5:00 PM
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of awe produced in a worship setting vs. a sports game and how that affected how large or small a person views himself/herself. We hypothesized that awe experienced in a worship setting would lead to a diminished sense of self-importance, reflected in smaller self-depictions. The independent variable in the study was the type of event attended (Worship Service vs. Sports Game), while the dependent variables were the ratings of awe and participants’ self-depiction measured through a drawing task and a self-perception scale. The main results showed that participants in the Worship Service Group reported significantly higher levels of awe (p < .001) and drew themselves smaller (p = .006) than participants in the Sports Game group. In contrast, the Sports Game group reported significantly higher levels of pride (p = .001). These results suggest that awe experienced in a worship setting promotes the “small self” while pride in a sports context may reinforce larger self-perception.
Recommended Citation
Cox, Emily and Helget, Julia, "Worship, Awe, and the Small Self" (2025). Day of Scholarship. 26.
https://spark.bethel.edu/dayofscholarship/spring2025/feb26/26
Worship, Awe, and the Small Self
Bethel University
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of awe produced in a worship setting vs. a sports game and how that affected how large or small a person views himself/herself. We hypothesized that awe experienced in a worship setting would lead to a diminished sense of self-importance, reflected in smaller self-depictions. The independent variable in the study was the type of event attended (Worship Service vs. Sports Game), while the dependent variables were the ratings of awe and participants’ self-depiction measured through a drawing task and a self-perception scale. The main results showed that participants in the Worship Service Group reported significantly higher levels of awe (p < .001) and drew themselves smaller (p = .006) than participants in the Sports Game group. In contrast, the Sports Game group reported significantly higher levels of pride (p = .001). These results suggest that awe experienced in a worship setting promotes the “small self” while pride in a sports context may reinforce larger self-perception.
