Are authentic tourists happier? Examining structural relationships amongst perceived cultural distance, existential authenticity, and wellbeing

Jibin Yu, Hanliang Li, Honggen Xiao

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The existential authenticity theory and eudaimonism theory imply that perceived cultural distance facilitates existential authenticity, which then conduces to hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. This study examined these presumptions basing on quantitative data collected through questionnaire survey in China. Results suggest that perceived cultural distance is not related to existential authenticity, and existential authenticity is positively related to hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. Hence, physically breaking away from one's home culture does not guarantee existential authenticity, and experiencing greater existential authenticity is related to correspondingly greater hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. Theoretical and practical implications of this research are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)144-154
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • eudaimonic wellbeing
  • existential authenticity
  • happiness
  • hedonic wellbeing
  • perceived cultural distance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Transportation
  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

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