Zhuangzi’s Qi-Emotion Theory and Emotional Well-Being: Integrating Daoist Philosophy with Neo-Phenomenology of Atmosphere

The article examines the influence of ancient Chinese philosophical concepts on the formation of modern piano art in China. Ancient Chinese materialistic philosophy is based on such teachings as Wu-xing and Yin-Yang, the Great Limit (Tai Chi), the eight trigrams and others. With the passage of time and the rapid development of science, these philosophical concepts not only did not lose their significance, but also had a powerful influence on the formation of modern Chinese piano creativity, deeply influenced the form and cultural connotation of Chinese music, and also became the theoretical basis for the works of many modern composers. The philosophical and aesthetic Taiji system presented by composer Zhao Xiaosheng, integrated into the modern piano composition system, marked the beginning of a revolution in the field of piano art, combining the theoretical foundations of traditional Chinese philosophy and the principles of modern composition methods. The research methodology is based on philosophical and cultural analysis, musicological analysis, and semantic analysis. Of particular interest is the comparative analysis of the musical and philosophical "Tai chi composition system" by Zhao Xiaoshen, the dodecaphony of A. Schoenberg and the set theory of M. Babbitt and A. Fort, which the Chinese composer considers the sources of his creativity. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that a correlation is proposed between the key categories of ancient Chinese philosophy and modern experiments in the field of musical expression. The authors managed to demonstrate the high degree of influence of Chinese philosophy on music, to clearly show that the basic postulates of ancient Chinese philosophy have been encoded in the basis of traditional Chinese music since ancient times, and in the twentieth century they were the basis of modern Chinese theory of composition, while playing a colossal role in identifying the common foundations of modern composition of the West and East, while preservation of local features of the diverse sphere of these cultures. The emergence and formation of a philosophical and theoretical system of musical composition, based on the concepts of classical Chinese philosophy, organically refracted in the latest achievements of Western music composition, emphasizes the ontological significance of these concepts for both Eastern and Western culture. And the creation of appropriate musical works undoubtedly leads to positive trends in the development of modern Chinese music and classical Chinese philosophy.

Environmental ethics have the dual nature of moral philosophy and applied ethics, therefore, it can be with the cornerstone of metaphysical paradigms, but also attached the importance to the goal orientation for the practical efficiency. As a cultural and historical category, environmental ethics internally define “regional” and non-universal ethical theory as its core. In addition, thought of parting between subject and object reinforced the antagonistic relations between human beings and nature in traditional western philosophy. Thus, the above two aspects lead to environmental ethics development predicament of theory and reality in China. Therefore, in order to solve the problem of modern China’s severe environment and get rid of the survival crisis, environmental ethics should create paradigm on the ontology, sublet integrative thinking in Chinese ancient philosophy in terms of epistemology, take the way to sanitize Marxist Philosophy on the methodology as lessons. Finally we will realize the localization of Chinese environmental ethics in the future.

The relevance of the research stems from the need to identify factors influencing the emotional well-being of teachers and to develop effective strategies for enhancing their personal resources to maintain mental health, prevent professional burnout, and ensure a high-quality educational process in today’s digital world. The research aims to identify, through a theoretical analysis, the most significant psychological factors that determine teachers’ emotional well-being in a digital learning environment. Methods (tools): the study employs an analysis of scientific literature alongside the presentation and synthesis of findings from the author’s empirical research. Results: key challenges impacting teachers’ emotional well-being in the context of digital education transformation were identified, including information overload, evolving teacher roles, and reduced interpersonal communication. Teachers’ emotional well-being is characterized primarily by their ability to cultivate and sustain a positive personal attitude, which supports effective teaching in digital settings. The research highlights professional burnout as a prominent indicator of emotional distress among educators teaching digitally. Main conclusions: the study identified three significant psychological factors of teachers’ emotional well-being in the digital educational context: emotional intelligence (the ability to recognize and regulate one’s own emotions and those of others), subjective vitality (the sense of vital energy), and tolerance for uncertainty (resistance in unpredictable situations). The importance of adopting an integrated approach to strengthening teachers’ emotional well-being is emphasized. This approach combines the activation of teachers’ personal resources with institutional support through professional development in digital technologies and the implementation of psychological assistance programs. Practical significance: the research results provide a foundation for designing educational programs aimed at enhancing psychological factors of emotional well-being to better support teachers in digital educational environments.

This article offers a study of the early formation and development of the ideal of harmony in ancient Chinese philosophy and ancient Greek philosophy. It shows that, unlike the Pythagorean notion of harmony, which is primarily based on a linear progressive model with a pre-set order, the ancient Chinese concept of harmony is best understood as a comprehensive process of harmonization. It encompasses spatial as well as temporal dimensions, metaphysical as well as moral and aesthetical dimensions. It is a fundamentally open notion in the sense that it does not aim to conform to any pre-set order. This broader, richer, and more liberal understanding of harmony has had a profound influence on Chinese culture as whole in its long history.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, emotional well-being and lifestyle patterns in Spain: A cross-sectional study

Art has emerged as a significant factor in improving patient recovery rates in hospital settings. This study investigates the role of art in healthcare through a comprehensive review of literature and qualitative empirical research. Exploring historical contexts and contemporary practices, the study highlights how art contributes to emotional and psychological well-being, enhances patient satisfaction, reduces stress, and facilitates quicker recovery. Empirical findings indicate that structured artistic interventions positively impact recovery rates, with variations in outcomes based on art type and duration of exposure. The results underscore the need for integrating art-based therapies into hospital care protocols, emphasizing art as a transformative element in the healing process. These findings have broad implications for healthcare professionals, administrators, and policymakers seeking holistic approaches to patient care. Keywords: Art in healthcare, Patient recovery rates, Artistic interventions, Holistic healing, Emotional well-being.

ObjectiveTo assess the frequency and intensity of arts engagement inclusive of active and passive engagements in arts, culture and heritage activities among Singaporean adults aged 50 and above, and examine...

Emotional wellbeing is related to the balance of positive and negative emotions associated with activities at work and in free time. We conjecture that time pressure is a factor reducing positive emotions and amplifying negative emotions, such that it has a negative relationship to emotional wellbeing. We found this to be the case in two studies based on survey data derived from samples of small-business owners in Sweden. In Study 1, the relationship between time pressure and emotional wellbeing is negative for small-business owners as well as for employed wage earners, although at work the former group experience both higher time pressure and higher emotional wellbeing than the latter. No differences in free time between the groups are observed. Study 2 provides support for the hypothesis that, both at work and in free time, domain satisfaction partially mediates the negative relationship between time pressure and emotional wellbeing. Supporting two additional hypotheses, the results indicate that neuroticism has a direct negative relationship with emotional wellbeing, and also an indirect relationship with emotional wellbeing mediated by time pressure, and furthermore moderates the negative relationship between time pressure and emotional wellbeing.

The present study explores the influence of spiritual beliefs on job satisfaction and work-life harmony among professionals in Vadodara, a culturally diverse city in Gujarat. In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure work environment, professionals often face emotional stress, imbalance, and dissatisfaction. This research examines whether spiritual beliefs and practices contribute positively to managing these challenges by enhancing emotional well-being, workplace motivation, and life balance. The study is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from a diverse group of professionals across government, private, and business sectors. Key variables analyzed include job satisfaction, work-life harmony, emotional well-being, and spiritual practices, along with socio-demographic profiles. Statistical tools such as frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis were used for interpretation. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between spiritual beliefs and workplace outcomes, suggesting that incorporating spiritual awareness can significantly improve professional quality of life and holistic well-being.

Western philosophical and scientific traditions often view human work as inherently onerous, wearisome, and degrading. Adam Smith, writing in the eighteenth century, saw work as the toil and trouble that is the real price humans pay for everything they need or want. Karl Marx, writing in the nineteenth century, considered wage labor alienating, but saw the possibility of self-expressive work. Dupré and Gagnier, a philosopher and a critic writing near the end of the twentieth century, agreed that work could be self-fulfilling, but only for an elite minority. This article summarizes the Western philosophical views of work from ancient to modern times. It reframes the philosophical positions as empirical questions and addresses them with statistics and models drawn from a 1995 U.S. survey. Observations suggest that work, in modern America, is not usually alienated. The great majority of Americans rate their paid work or other main daily activities (mostly unpaid work) as more autonomous and creative than not. Emotional well-being and the sense of control over one's own life increase with the degree of autonomy and creativity. The employed report less autonomous but more creative activity than do the nonemployed. Emotional well-being and perceived control correlate more strongly with creativity than with autonomy. The overall association thus favors employment, especially for the poorly educated, even though they give up more autonomy when employed. On the whole, work in modern America seems more self-fulfilling than onerous, alienating, or degrading.

Ancient Chinese philosophy may be a valuable source of inspiration for contemporary management. Ideas from Confucian and Taoist wisdom may not directly offer us better management techniques or organization models, but they do help us discover the limits of the theory and practice of management, rooted in Western philosophical and ethical traditions, and broaden our view of management. For Western readers, this chapter may help them ‘to consider the possibility that another valid approach to thinking about the world exists and that it can serve as a mirror with which to examine their own beliefs and habits of mind,’ as Nisbett (2003, pp. xx–xxi) has suggested. The Chinese reader, who is likely to be familiar with the ideas dealt with in this chapter, might see our contribution as offering encouragement to rediscover the relevance of these ideas in a field that, even in China, is dominated by Western, especially North American, thinking.

This study explores the effect of yoga and physical training on emotional intelligence (EI) in secondary school students. Emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills, is essential for adolescents to navigate the challenges of academic, social, and emotional development. Given the increasing interest in promoting holistic student well-being, this research investigates whether practices such as yoga and physical exercise can enhance emotional intelligence in this age group.A total of 100 students from Government High School, East Godavari, were randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (yoga), Group II (physical training), and Group III (control). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with both experimental groups engaging in their respective programs six days per week. Emotional intelligence was assessed before and after the intervention using the Emotional Intelligence Scale developed by Prof. Thimaguzam. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to determine the impact of the interventions.Results indicated significant improvements in emotional intelligence scores for both experimental groups. The yoga group showed the most substantial improvement in EI, particularly in self-regulation, emotional awareness, and stress management, with a mean score increase of 13.74 points compared to the control group. The physical training group also showed improvement, but to a lesser extent, with a mean score increase of 6.30 points.This study concludes that both yoga and physical training positively influence emotional intelligence, with yoga demonstrating a more significant effect. The findings underscore the importance of integrating yoga and physical training into school curricula to foster not only physical health but also emotional and psychological development. Such holistic interventions can enhance students' emotional well-being, contributing to their academic success and overall resilience.

BackgroundWellbeing has been difficult to understand, measure and strengthen for Aboriginal people in remote Australia. Part of the challenge has been genuinely involving community members and incorporating their values and priorities into assessment and policy. Taking a ‘shared space’ collaborative approach between remote Aboriginal communities, governments and scientists, we merged Aboriginal knowledge with western science – by bringing together stories and numbers. This research aims to statistically validate the holistic Interplay Wellbeing Framework and Survey that bring together Aboriginal-identified priorities of culture, empowerment and community with government priorities including education, employment and health.MethodQuantitative survey data were collected from a cohort of 842 Aboriginal people aged 15-34 years, recruited from four different Aboriginal communities in remote Australia. Aboriginal community researchers designed and administered the survey.ResultsStructural equation modeling showed good fit statistics (χ/df = 2.69, CFI = 0.95 and RMSEA = 0.045) confirming the holistic nature of the Interplay Wellbeing Framework. The strongest direct impacts on wellbeing were ‘social and emotional wellbeing’ (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), ‘English literacy and numeracy’ (r = 0.15; p < 0.001), ‘Aboriginal literacy’ (r = 0.14; p < 0.001), ‘substances’ (lack thereof; r = 0.13; p = 0.003), ‘work’ (r = 0.12; p = 0.02) and ‘community’ (r = 0.08; p = 0.05). Correlation analyses suggested cultural factors have indirect impacts on wellbeing, such as through Aboriginal literacy. All cultural variables correlated highly with each other, and with empowerment and community. Empowerment also correlated highly with all education and work variables. ‘Substances’ (lack thereof) was linked with positive outcomes across culture, education and work. Specific interrelationships will be explored in detail separately.ConclusionThe Interplay Wellbeing Framework and Survey were statistically validated as a collaborative approach to assessing wellbeing that is inclusive of other cultural worldviews, values and practices. New community-derived social and cultural indicators were established, contributing valuable insight to psychometric assessment across cultures. These analyses confirm that culture, empowerment and community play key roles in the interplay with education, employment and health, as part of a holistic and quantifiable system of wellbeing. This research supports the holistic concept of wellbeing confirming that everything is interrelated and needs to be considered at the ‘whole of system’ level in policy approaches.

A study of Natuzza Evolo, a contemporary Roman Catholic stigmatic in southern Italy, raises certain questions of mechanism and evidence. Was this a miracle, hysterical conversion or contrived? The medical interpretation of the phenomenon as conversion disorder raises questions about the popularity of hysteria as a medical diagnosis and the ways in which it functions like 'vital force', as a metaphoric mediator between the natural world, human agency, and the ultrahuman.

Analyzing qualitative case-study data from two emerging market multinational corporations (MNCs) from Indian pharmaceutical industry, we develop two conceptual frameworks for analyzing performance in an indigenous and a modern pharmaceutical MNC. The indigenous Ayurveda pharmaceutical firm focused on a holistic approach of managing multiple stakeholders. Its overarching performance goal was of all stakeholders collectively contribute to the patient and others’ holistic wellbeing. The unified and singular efforts of all employees and stakeholders dovetailed to achieve physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental wellbeing as a proxy for performance. Organizational values, culture, and contextual influences of informal learning, empowerment and task variability helped in achievement of its overarching goal. The second case’s contrasting scientific approach of an atomistic, granulated and objective way of assessing and evaluating performance focused on cost-effectiveness, innovation and high-performance. Performance coaching and task invariability adversely affected individual outcomes. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed.