The Research Desk
Scientists at Linnaeus University found that happiness, not awe, boosts positive diversity attitudes and reduces social dominance orientation.
Happiness, Not Awe, Makes People More Diversity-Oriented.
- Positive emotion
- Relationships
Agerström, J., Carlsson, M., Nilsson, T.
In plain language
This study investigates whether the emotions of awe and happiness can influence people's attitudes towards diversity. Researchers conducted a large-scale experiment with over 3,000 participants who were shown film clips designed to induce feelings of awe, happiness, or neutrality. The study aimed to see how these emotions affected diversity attitudes, diversity fatigue, and social dominance orientation (SDO), a trait associated with negative views on diversity.
The results revealed that happiness had a significant positive impact on diversity attitudes, reducing fatigue and lowering SDO. In contrast, awe did not have a notable effect on these outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of happiness as a catalyst for fostering more inclusive and diversity-oriented attitudes.
Key findings
- Happiness enhances positive attitudes towards diversity.
- Happiness reduces diversity fatigue.
- Happiness lowers social dominance orientation (SDO).
- Awe does not significantly affect diversity attitudes or SDO.
Why it matters
Understanding how emotions like happiness can foster inclusive attitudes is crucial for building socially connected and harmonious communities.
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To promote diversity and inclusion, individuals and organizations can focus on creating environments and experiences that enhance happiness, such as through positive interactions and uplifting content.