College students’ experiences of hedonia and eudaimonia in their everyday activities

Abstract

French

Background.

Experiences of hedonia (i.e., seeking pleasure) and eudaimonia (i.e., actualizing human potential in pursuit of meaningful goals) are central to the study of human well-being.

Purpose.

This study sought to examine levels of hedonia (pleasure) and eudaimonia (productivity) in a convenience sample of college (university) students’ (n = 264) daily activities, controlling for levels of perceived stress.

Method.

Data were gathered using a 24-hr time-use recall diary designed to assess objective and subjective information about everyday activities. Descriptions of self-reported everyday activities were coded into 20 activity types.

Findings.

Activities reported high in pleasure were eating, listening to music/watching movies, and exercise. Activities reported as high in productivity were studying and working. Activities reported as high in both pleasure and productivity were reported less frequently and often had a recognizable outcome or provided social connection.

Implications.

Developing a greater understanding of how college students experience their daily activities could strengthen programs designed to enable students to manage stress and sustain their well-being.

Keywords

Daily activities Student Subjective experiences University Well-being Activités quotidiennes Bien-être Étudiant Expériences subjectives Université

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