L.L.Bean funds UCI research on the science of awe
Program expands its ongoing efforts to inspire people to spend more time outside
L.L.Bean’s founder wanted to create a product to get people outdoors. Now, the American outdoor brand is continuing that commitment by partnering with UCI to research the mental, social and health benefits of experiencing awe through time spent outside.
Awe is the emotional response to being in the presence of something so vast that it transcends one’s understanding of the world. “For hundreds of years, people have talked about the importance of awe to human life and interpersonal relations,” said Paul Piff, associate professor of psychological science. “I am excited to now have the opportunity to work with L.L.Bean to more deeply understand how it is linked to spending time outside and overall health, happiness and social connection.”
Through two studies starting in August 2021 and continuing through 2022, L.L.Bean will help support Piff’s research on how awe through nature impacts emotional and physical health and whether an intervention to increase moments of awe positively impacts overall health and happiness.
“Through this research, we intend to discover how experiencing awe in the outdoors is linked to increased happiness and health, so we can continue to inspire people to spend more time outside,” said Shawn Gorman, executive chairman and great-grandson of L.L.Bean.
About the UCI’s Brilliant Future campaign: Publicly launched on Oct. 4, 2019, the Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for UCI. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UCI seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The School of Social Ecology play a vital role in the success of the campaign. Learn more by visiting: https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/uci-school-of-social-ecology/
