Collective effervescence 

confetti falling over a crowd

Dr. Gabriel’s research in this area has looked at what happens to people psychologically when they are in a crowd.  She has found that it leads to a psychological experience she labels collective effervescence (in tribute to the late Emil Durkheim). This is an intertwining of a sense of connection to others and a sensation of sacredness.  Our research suggests that these experiences lead to wellbeing, both in the short and long term. 

All PDFs are available on the Publications page. The following are a representative sample.

  • * Koefler, N., Naidu, E., Gabriel, S., Schneider, V., Pascuzzi, G., Paravati, E.  (in press). Let the music play: Live music fosters collective effervescence and leads to lasting positive outcomes. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 
  • Gabriel, S., Koefler, N. & Schneider, V. (in press). Creating a Space for The Sacred in a Secular World: Shabbat Dinners as A Vehicle for Collective Effervescence, Social Connection, and Meaning. Studies in Religion. 
  • * Naidu, E., Gabriel, S., Wildschut, T., & Sedikides, C. (2024). Reliving the Good Old Days: Nostalgia Increases Psychological Wellbeing Through Collective Effervescence. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 15(1), 22-32. https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506221149813 
  • * Naidu, E., Paravati, E., & Gabriel, S. (2022). Staying happy even when staying 6 feet apart: The relationship between extroversion and social adaptability. Personality and Individual Differences, 190. 111549. 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111549. 
  • Gabriel, S. & Paravati, E. (2021). If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On: Four ways that music may lead to social connection. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 44, E71. doi:10.1017/S0140525X20001430. 
  • Gabriel, S., Naidu, E., Paravati, E., Morrison, C. D., & Gainey, K. (2020). Creating the sacred from the profane: Collective effervescence and everyday activities. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(1), 129–154. 
  • Gabriel, S. Valenti, J., Naragon-Gainey, K. & Young, A. F. (2017) The Psychological Importance of going to Concerts, Churches, and Football Games: Development and Validation of the Tendency for Effervescent Assembly Measure (TEAM). Psychological Assessment. 29(11), 1349 -1362.