Abstract:

Studies on well-being have been derived from two general perspectives: the hedonic approach and the eudaimonic approach. “Flourishing”, being a newly holistic, comprehensive and structural standard for evaluating well-being, is receiving increasing attentions among researchers. Meaning in life is closely related to well-being. It reflects the value of existence and the purpose of life of an individual, has implications on one's motivation, and can be realized in one's actions. Meaning in life includes two dimensions, presence of meaning and search for meaning. “Presence of meaning” is positively related to increased well-being. While the relation between searching for meaning and well-being is negative, the negative relation has variability and transience characteristics. From the perspective of eudaimonia, although negative experiences and feelings reduce individual's current happiness, individuals can achieve their goals and self-worth in the process of searching for meaning, thus acquiring lasting well-being internally.

Key words: well-being, flourishing, eudaimonia, meaning in life, search for meaning