Positive Psychology in Non-WEIRD Countries: Contexts, Challenges, and Opportunities

References

[1] Cai, X., N. Zhou, J. Chen, et al. 2024. “Gratitude Practice Helps Undergraduates Who Experienced an Earthquake in China Find Meaning in Life.” Scientific Reports 14: 10880. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61256-3.

[2] Chandra, S., and F. T. L. Leong. 2016. “A Diversified Portfolio Model of Adaptability.” American Psychologist 71, no. 9: 847–862. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0040367.

[3] Cheung, F. M., F. J. R. van de Vijver, and F. T. L. Leong. 2011. “Toward a New Approach to the Study of Personality in Culture.” American Psychologist 66, no. 7: 593–603. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022389.

[4] D'Ottone, S., G. Travaglino, P. Burgmer, et al. 2025. “When Confidence in Institutions Backfires: Power Distance Orientation Moderates the Relationship Between Institutional Trust and Civic Honesty Across Eight Countries.” International Journal of Psychology 60: e70059. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.70059.

[5] Hall, G. C. N., E. T. Berkman, N. W. Zane, et al. 2021. “Reducing Mental Health Disparities by Increasing the Personal Relevance of Interventions.” American Psychologist 76, no. 1: 91–103. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000616.

[6] Henrich, J., S. J. Heine, and A. Norenzayan. 2010. “The Weirdest People in the World?” Behavioral and Brain Sciences 33, no. 2–3: 61–83. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X0999152X.

[7] Jia, F., J. Meng, Y. Ma, and Y. Mao. 2024. “Flow Experience and Self-Efficacy in Undergraduates' English Learning: A Weekly Diary Investigation With Cross-Lagged Panel Modeling Approach.” System 123: 103312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2024.103312.

[8] Joshanloo, M.2014. “Eastern Conceptualizations of Happiness: Fundamental Differences With Western Views.” Journal of Happiness Studies 15, no. 2: 475–493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-013-9431-1.

[9] Leong, F. T. L.2020. “Diversified Portfolio Model of Adaptability: A Natural History Perspective.” Counseling Psychologist 48, no. 4: 608–624. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000020904639.

[10] Leong, F. T. L., and K. Leung. 2004. “Academic Careers in Asia: A Cross-Cultural Analysis.” Journal of Vocational Behavior 64, no. 2: 346–357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2002.09.002.

[11] Liu, T., S. Lu, J. Ma, and Y. Mao. 2023. “Apply Your Strengths to Enjoy Flow at Work: A Diary Study on the Relationship Between Strengths Use and Innovative Behavior.” Journal of Happiness Studies 24, no. 8: 2647–2667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-023-00696-6.

[12] Mao, Y., F. Fornara, S. Manca, M. Bonnes, and M. Bonaiuto. 2015. “Perceived Residential Environment Quality Indicators and Neighbourhood Attachment: A Confirmation Study on a Chinese Sample in Chongqing.” PsyCh Journal 4, no. 3: 123–137. https://doi.org/10.1002/pchj.90.

[13] Mao, Y., S. Guo, M. Xie, et al. 2023. “Devote Yourself to Enjoy Work: A Diary Study on Flow Experience and Employees' Organizational Identification.” Journal of Managerial Psychology 38, no. 5: 338–351. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-07-2022-0355.

[14] Mao, Y., X. Luo, S. Wang, Z. Mao, M. Xie, and M. Bonaiuto. 2024. “Flow Experience Fosters University Students' Well-Being Through Psychological Resilience: A Longitudinal Design With Cross-Lagged Analysis.” British Journal of Educational Psychology 94, no. 2: 518–538. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12661.

[15] Mao, Y., C. Peng, Y. Liang, G. Yuan, J. Ma, and M. Bonaiuto. 2022. “Perceived Residential Environment Quality, Flow, and Social Capital on Urbanities' Community Identity During COVID-19 Residential Confinement.” Social Indicators Research 163: 771–797. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-02915-8.

[16] Mao, Y., S. Wang, Y. Li, W. Peng, and W. Zhang. 2026. “Exploring the Underlying Mechanism of the Relation Between Trait Mindfulness and Insomnia Among University Students: A Dual Processing Perspective.” BMC Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-26513-2.

[17] Mao, Y., M. Xie, M. Li, et al. 2022. “Promoting Academic Self-Efficacy, Positive Relationships, and Psychological Resilience for Chinese University Students' Life Satisfaction.” Educational Psychology 43, no. 1: 78–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2022.2138830.

[18] Pagliaro, S., S. Sacchi, M. G. Pacilli, et al. 2021. “Trust Predicts COVID-19 Prescribed and Discretionary Behavioral Intentions in 23 Countries.” PLoS One 16, no. 3: e0248334. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248334.

[19] Prasad, J., D. M. Gardner, F. T. Leong, J. Zhang, and C. D. Nye. 2021. “The Criterion Validity of Career Adapt–Abilities Scale With Cooperation Among Chinese Workers.” Career Development International 26, no. 2: 252–268. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-04-2020-0106.

[20] Seligman, M. E. P., and M. Csikszentmihalyi. 2000. “Positive Psychology: An Introduction.” American Psychologist 55, no. 1: 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.5.

[21] Xie, M., A. Milani, S. Wang, et al. 2026. “Learning Flow in the Educational Context: A Meta-Analysis of Its Antecedents and Outcomes.” British Journal of Educational Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.70075.

[22] Xie, M., S. Wang, J. Chen, Y. Mao, X. Gao, and G. Travaglino. 2026. “Does Authentic Leadership Predict Employee Resilience Through Trust? A Daily Diary Investigation Into Construction Engineering Project Employees in China.” Group & Organization Management. https://doi.org/10.1177/10596011261428503.

[23] Yang, S., Y. Mao, T. Liu, C. Baldner, S. Roberts, and S. Lu. 2021. “Achieve Ambidextrous Learning in Construction Engineering Project Partnerships: The Roles of Formal Control and Chinese Guanxi.” Asian Business & Management 22: 431–462. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41291-021-00173-z.

[24] Zhao, Y., Z. Zhang, and Y. Mao. 2025. “Perceived Residential Environment Quality, Emotional Experience, and Sense of Community Among the Retired People in China.” American Journal of Community Psychology 76: 133–146. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12805.

Rights & permissions

2026 The Author(s). PsyCh Journal published by Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.