Investigating eudaimonic well-being in the context of contemporary China : theoretical and empirical examination

Abstract

This thesis evaluated eudaimonic well-being in the context of contemporary China. Eudaimonia is originally a philosophical concept referring to happiness. Unlike hedonic happiness, which refers to enjoyment and pleasure, eudaimonia has a deeper meaning related to pursuing the true self, fulfilling potential, and achieving personal growth. This thesis evaluated the meaning of eudaimonia in the Chinese context. Drawing on Chinese philosophy, several eudaimonic values were identified in Chinese culture (e.g., joy and benevolence). Two empirical substudies were conducted to evaluate the eudaimonic well-being, with one substudy focusing on spontaneous volunteering during the COVID-19 outbreak and the other one emphasizing migration and its impact on the transformation on individuals’ relationship with family and places. In later chapters, a new conceptual model is introduced, based on the empirical findings. Further testing was conducted, with quantitative evaluation of older migrants to understand the interactions of family obligations and relationships with individual autonomy (measured by social participation). This thesis is the first research to investigate the conceptual origins of eudaimonia and based on those origins, analyze this Western-based concept in the Chinese context. To achieve a deep understanding, the analysis explored the philosophical spheres to discuss the meaning of happiness as an ethical concept and eudaimonia as a value-driven concept. With the help of braided river theory, this discussion highlights an attempt to use both Chinese and Western research methods in the process of knowledge generation, assisting the aim of achieving deeper understanding of eudaimonia in the Chinese context. This thesis developed from the author’s concern for the well-being of Chinese populations. It provides a novel understanding of happiness that could be introduced to China and other countries and people with similar cultures. With its attempt to capture the challenges and obstacles of realizing eudaimonia in a collectivist culture and restrictive environment, this thesis highlights the never-ending importance of appreciating the value of joy, love, and happiness in all situations. It also sheds light on directions in research to gain more knowledge about the eudaimonic well-being of the Chinese people and substantially contribute to the promotion of happiness in China and around the globe.