Psychological Selection and Optimal Experience Across Cultures: Social Empowerment through Personal Growth

Description

Studies on well-being derive from two main perspectives: hedonism and eudaimonism. The former emphasizes the human search for pleasure and satisfaction while the latter focuses on fulfillment of one’s true nature that includes both self-actualization and commitment to socially shared goals. Operating under the eudaimonic approach, Psychological Selection and Optimal Experience Across Cultures uses recent advancements in positive psychology to explore the connections between personal well-being and social welfare. People grow and live in cultures that deeply influence their values, aspirations and behaviors. However, individuals in their turn play an active role in building their own goals, growth trajectories and social roles while at the same time influencing culture trends. This process, known as psychological selection, is related to the individual pursuit of well-being. People preferentially select and cultivate in their lives activities, interests and relationships associated with optimal experience—a state of deep engagement, concentration and enjoyment. Several cross-cultural studies confirm the positive and rewarding features of optimal experience, and based on these evidences this book highlights the interplay between individual and cultural growth trajectories, ultimately conveying the core message that educating people to enjoy engagement and involvement in activities that can be relevant and meaningful for social welfare is a premise to foster the harmonious development of human communities and the peaceful cohabitation of cultures. Interest in eudaimonia has grown rapidly, especially in the past five years. Given this book’s emphasis on the role of individuals as active agents in shaping their cultural environment and in promoting both their own development and cultural complexity, it fills a unique place in the increasing demand for studies in the field. Aimed at researchers and students in Psychology, Education, Health and the Social Sciences, it is useful for anyone interested in the promotion of individual happiness and well-being. Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Hedonism and Eudaimonism in Positive Psychology....Pages 3-18 Biology, Culture, and Human Behavior....Pages 19-38 Psychological Selection and Optimal Experience....Pages 39-58 Instruments and Methods in Flow Research....Pages 59-87 The Phenomenology of Optimal Experience in Daily Life....Pages 89-110 Optimal Experience and Meditation: Western and Asian Approaches to Well-Being....Pages 111-126 Front Matter....Pages 127-127 Optimal Experience Across Cultures....Pages 129-154 Work: A Paradox in Flow Research....Pages 155-175 Free Time: An Opportunity for Growth, Recreation, or Stagnation....Pages 177-197 Relationships: Safe Harbor for Flow Explorers....Pages 199-233 Education, Learning, and Cultural Transmission....Pages 235-252 Optimal Experience and Religious Practice....Pages 253-272 Acculturation and Optimal Experience....Pages 273-293 Flow and Health: A Bio-psycho-social Perspective....Pages 295-320 Psychosocial Maladjustment and Mimetic Flow....Pages 321-356 Back Matter....Pages 357-369