The Comparison between Chinese and Western Well-Being

Abstract

The marked variation between China and other nations in well-being may be due to the influence of national culture [1]. Considering the dramatically different cultural background between China and western societies, to investigate comprehensively Chinese well-being is important. In this literature review, firstly, we will introduce the understanding of well-being for Chinese people. Secondly, we introduce the concept of beauty, which is an important component of Chinese well-being be neglected by western scholars. Thirdly, the differences between Chinese and western well-being are presented. KeywordsWell-Being, Beauty, Chinese Culture, Culture Comparison Well-Being in ChinaChinese researchers normally view well-being as subjective well-being based on traditional culture and values. The meaning of well-being in China is more like "happiness" or "subjective well-being" in related English literatures [2]. This is because subjective Well-Being emphasises an experience which involves evaluation by individuals of their quality of life according to the standard they set for themselves. Democritus is one of the first Geek philosophers suggesting that happiness is only subjective, thus it "does not depend solely on good fortune or indeed on any external contingencies, but also, and even to a greater extent, on a man's cast of mind". In the field of psychology, hedonism tends to be interpreted holistically and with reference to body, mind, and society [3]. We summarize Chinese researchers' achievements, basically based in the view of subjective well-being, and explore the correlations between Chinese welling and psychological wellbeing, which is a new area to be found.

Components and Predictors of the “Good Life” (experience of international comparative research)

“…Традиционно в китайской культуре благополучие выражается с помощью слова «Le» (счастье), «Le» -психологический опыт, основанный на эмпирическом, внутреннем переживании чувств: радости, счастья, оптимизма и благополучия. Многокультурность древнекитайского общества помогла сформировать и характеристики, связанные с китайским взглядом на счастье [16].…”

“…I will be able to give more to people and causes I care about than my parents were able to / Я смогу больше давать людям и уделять внима-ние принципам, которые меня заботят, чем могли мои родители. 16. When people experience something upsetting or discouraging, I make a special point of being kind to them / Когда люди переживают нечто расстраивающее или разочаровывающее, считаю обязательным быть добрым по отношению к ним.…”

Nurses’ perceptions regarding providing psychological care for older residents in long‐term care facilities: A qualitative study

“…Nichols () described the components of psychological care, which comprise 10 elements, including awareness of psychological issues, patient‐centred listening, patient‐centred communication, information and education, emotional care, counselling, and support, among three levels. Moreover, traditional Chinese culture strongly emphasises harmonious interpersonal relationships for individual well‐being (Yang & Zhou, ). Collective accomplishments and feelings of social value are more important than personal emotions (Chiang, Chien, Lin, Yeh, & Lee, ; Yang & Zhou, ).…”

“…Moreover, traditional Chinese culture strongly emphasises harmonious interpersonal relationships for individual well‐being (Yang & Zhou, ). Collective accomplishments and feelings of social value are more important than personal emotions (Chiang, Chien, Lin, Yeh, & Lee, ; Yang & Zhou, ). Therefore, Chinese older adults might be more conservative in expressing their negative emotions, and compared with Westerners, the reactions and behaviours of Chinese older adults would be more prone to meeting social norms to minimise conflicts.…”

“…Filial piety is crucial in the choice and arrangement of family caregiving (Chen, 2011). Wu, White, Cash, and Foster (2009) reported that the decision of moving from home to LTCFs was a forced choice between older adults and their families. Therefore, in addition to their own health conditions or dependency levels, these beliefs and thoughts may also affect older residents' psychological well-being while living in LTCFs.…”