Authentic well-being in the third space among Hanfu-wearing Chinese tourists: A PERMA analysis

Abstract

This study intends to investigate the authenticity well-being of Hanfu-wearing Chinese tourists. The study integrates mixed qualitative methodologies, such as netnography and focus groups, integrates third space theory and PERMA (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment) in positive psychology, and utilizes thematic analysis. Findings show that the first space is constructed by the tourist destination and Hanfu entity, while the second space is produced by the tourists' vision of ancient style and comprehension of the Hanfu symbols. The third space occurs when the first and second spaces engage synergistically. In the framework of the liminal three spaces, all five dimensions of PERMA are represented by the tourists and can be divided into individual and collective levels. This study makes its theoretical and practical contributions to leverage the huge potential of the interaction between attire, physical body identification, and the surrounding tourism spaces.