Honour the Light in Every Soul: Awe Reduces Objectification via Self‐Transcendence

ABSTRACT

Objectification, treating others as mere instruments while denying their intrinsic humanness, is a harmful and pervasive phenomenon, yet interventions to address it remain underexplored. We proposed that awe can reduce objectification toward general others via self‐transcendence. Six multi‐method studies ( N  = 1248) supported our hypotheses. We found that awe was negatively associated with, or causally reduced, objectification at both state (Studies 1–3, 5–6) and dispositional levels (Study 4). Self‐transcendence (rather than self‐smallness) mediated this effect (Studies 3–6). Moreover, awe‐induced reduction in objectification was linked to decreased exploitative intentions. These observed effects were distinct from nature exposure or general positive emotions (Studies 2–3) and were prevalent across cultures (Study 6). Overall, the present research comprehensively demonstrates awe's unique capacity to counteract objectification, highlighting its potential for fostering humane interpersonal interactions.