2026-05-27 ノースカロライナ州立大学（NCState）
米ノースカロライナ州立大学の研究チームは、「畏敬（awe）」の感情が人々の科学への関心や理解を高める効果を持つことを明らかにした。研究では、宇宙映像や自然現象、大規模科学実験など、人に強い驚きや感動を与える体験が、科学情報への受容性や学習意欲を高めるかを調査した。その結果、畏敬の感情を抱いた参加者は、科学的説明への信頼感や好奇心が高まり、科学を“自分と関係のあるもの”として認識しやすくなることが分かった。研究チームは、科学コミュニケーションにおいて単なる情報提供だけでなく、感情的体験を伴う表現が重要だと指摘している。特に教育現場や博物館、メディア発信などで、感動や驚きを喚起する演出を取り入れることで、科学リテラシー向上や市民参加促進につながる可能性があるという。研究成果は、科学教育と心理学を結び付ける新たな知見として注目されている。
＜関連情報＞
- https://news.ncsu.edu/2026/05/awe-helps-connect-to-science/
- https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.70347
日食の際、自然に対する畏敬の念は、参加型科学者の科学的アイデンティティと帰属意識を育む Awe in nature fosters science identity and belonging in participatory scientists during an eclipse
Kelly Lynn Mulvey, Ashley R. Deutsch, Caren Cooper, Rhianna Absher, Nhaturie Atkinson, Brandon Wilson, Jacqueline Cerda-Smith, Martha Batul, Lara L. Martens, Adam Hartstone-Rose
People and Nature Published: 26 May 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70347
Abstract
- The interactions between people and nature are complex, with research suggesting that people often report feeling awe in nature, including in relation to eclipses. Less is known about if feelings of awe in nature can drive science outcomes.
- The current study aimed to understand the relationship between observing a total eclipse in nature, awe and science identity and belonging for individuals involved in a participatory science study of animal behaviour during the 2024 eclipse, with participants completing a retrospective post-test of awe, science identity and belonging.
- The study included participatory scientists (N = 528, Ages: 8–80 years of age) who observed the eclipse while recording observations of animal behaviour during the eclipse.
- Participants who experienced the total eclipse, as compared to a partial eclipse, reported higher awe scores and greater changes in animal behaviour were associated with higher awe levels.
- Awe was a significant predictor of changes in science identity and belonging, with indirect effects from experiencing a total eclipse and observing changes in animal behaviour through awe.
- Findings affirm the power of natural phenomena in driving science identity and belonging for those engaged in participatory science projects in nature.
