Introduction: Most research on subjective well-being (SWB) has been shaped by Western frameworks such as PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment), which emphasize autonomy, achievement, and hedonic pleasure. In contrast, Chinese perspectives draw on Confucian and Taoist traditions, prioritizing harmony, family connectedness, and security. To ensure constructs are valid across contexts, surveying local populations to self-identify well-being values is essential.


Purpose: This study examines how PERMA constructs resonate compared to Confucian values among adults in mainland China. Findings aim to open a cross-cultural dialogue and provide an evidence base of contemporary Chinese perspectives on well-being.


Methods: A survey was conducted with 105 Chinese adults who rated nine well-being constructs—five from PERMA and four from Confucian philosophy (sense of security, family love, aesthetic appreciation, rational happiness)—on a 1-5 Likert scale.


Results: The PERMA model was rated slightly lower on average than the Confucian model, but this difference was not statistically significant (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.1953). Friedman's test, however, revealed significant variation across the nine constructs (χ² = 108.98, df = 8, p < 2.2e-16). Positive emotions, family love, and sense of security received the highest median ratings, while accomplishment and other achievement-oriented constructs were rated lower. These patterns suggest that modern Chinese participants draw on both Western positive psychology concepts and traditional Chinese values, effectively "picking and mixing" to define their own well-being.


Conclusion: These findings show that well-being in China cannot be captured by Western frameworks alone. While PERMA constructs remain relevant, Confucian values such as family love and security carry equal or greater weight. This blend underscores the need for culturally grounded models of well-being. By integrating both universal and culturally specific dimensions, psychologists can develop more accurate assessments that reflect local realities and reduce cultural blind spots in global research.