United in wonder: shared awe is associated with satisfaction and depth in romantic relationships

Shared awe, a co-experience of vastness and meaning, may strengthen romantic bonds beyond individual awe. Across two preregistered cross-sectional studies of partnered adults (Study 1, N = 198; Study 2, N = 306), participants reported shared awe with their partner, dispositional awe, relationship satisfaction, and self – other overlap; Study 2 additionally assessed willingness to sacrifice, ego decentering, relationship flourishing (a measure of relationship depth), and shared amusement. Shared awe predicted relationship satisfaction and explained unique variance beyond dispositional awe (both studies) and shared amusement (Study 2). Structural equation modeling in Study 2 suggested that the shared awe – satisfaction association was primarily accounted for by indirect pathways via self – other overlap, willingness to sacrifice, and especially relationship flourishing. Together, these results identify shared awe as a distinct relational experience that may deepen romantic bonds and enhance well-being. We discuss these findings within the broader literature on positive experiences in romantic relationships.