Travel as a Catalyst of Peak Experiences Among Young Chinese Adults

A survey of 182 native Chinese undergraduates found that 86.8% reported experiencing a “peak-experience” (described as “wonderful happiness”) while traveling. Nature settings triggered peaks most frequently, followed by interpersonal joy, serenity, and personal growth. Over 75% rated their peak as moderately or very intense, and 53.5% said it impacted their subsequent view of life. No significant gender differences emerged. The authors discuss implications for understanding tourism as a contributor to personality growth among Chinese young adults.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Humanistic psychology has pioneered in investigating travel as a contributor to personality growth. In this study, 182 native Chinese undergraduates responded to a survey inquiring if they had ever experienced “wonderful happiness” while engaged in tourism, and if so, to indicate the purpose of their travel, how recently and where their peak-experience occurred, whether they were alone or with others at the time, its intensity and subsequent impact on their view of life. Participants were also asked to describe the “trigger” of their peak-experience; these were coded into nine categories. A total of 86.8% (N=158) responded affirmatively, most of whom were touring within China. Peaks involving nature were reported significantly most frequently. A cluster involving interpersonal joy, serenity, and personal growth were reported second-most frequently, with relatively small frequencies relating to culture/aesthetics, culinary delight, and particularly materialism, skill mastery, and external achievement. More than 75% of participants rated their peak as “moderately” or “very” intense and 53.5% reported that it impacted their subsequent view of life. No significant gender differences emerged. The implications of these findings for understanding growth aspects of tourism among Chinese young adults are discussed, and future avenues of research are highlighted.