What makes goals choiceworthy? A qualitative study of hedonic, eudaimonic, and structural motives

The role of positive psychology in tourists’ behavioural intentions

“…This study followed a quantitative approach as quantitative ratings of goal motives do allow assessments of the relationships among various dimensions of goals and other variables of interest such as life satisfaction (Fowers et al, 2014). The constructs were measured by selfreport measures which may not have captured the richness and resonance of what makes goal pursuit worth pursuing.…”

Would Travel Experiences or Possessions Make People Happier?

“…This eudaimonic dimension indicates identifying what truly matters, meaningful purposes and the bigger picture beyond the self (Huta 2015; Pearce et al 2021). While most tourists may not travel to seek meanings in life, tourism is often perceived as a more meaningful pleasure than enjoying possessions or routine leisure (Fowers et al 2014), where pleasure may be inseparable from the meaningfulness of such travel, whether experienced directly or in memory.…”

“…Tourism is also capable of disrupting the existing knowledge and value systems of tourists with intensive stimuli such as a “culture shock” or “nature shock” (Walter 2016) that supplements their existing knowledge/value systems (Pearce and Packer 2013; Pung, Gnoth, and Del Chiappa 2020). Tourism further facilitates excellence pursuit and growth by reducing tourists’ biases about different cultures and enhancing their cultural intelligence (Fowers et al 2014; Wood 2014). The immersion in nature commonly inspires tourists to adopt more pro-environmental attitudes or practices (Ballantyne, Packer, and Falk 2011).…”

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated that tourism experiences across types and tourist segments boost positive social relationships (i.e., “social well-being”), a pivotal component of eudaimonia (Pearce 2012; Ryff 2014), given tourism experiences being social and relational in nature (Pearce and Lee 2005; Sirgy and Uysal 2016; Yu et al 2021). Traveling with or visiting close others cultivates quality relationships (Fowers et al 2014; Larsen et al 2007; Schanzel et al 2012) thanks to the intimate time afforded while traveling (Pearce 2012). Encounters with diverse others (e.g., fellow tourists, service providers, and locals) strengthens social capital through extended social networking (Gillet, Schmitz, and Mitas 2016; Kelly and Kay Smith 2016; Pagán 2015).…”