Spanish literature and well-being: The case of Chinese students in Spain

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Mercedes Ovejero-Bruna
Santiago López-Ríos
Goretti González

Resumen

Chinesestudents whostudy abroad have to face with many added life stressors compared to those who remain inChina.Furthermore,it has been demonstrated that the use of literature is an important didactic tool in theteaching of foreign language.This study analyzes the experience of a groupof 66 Chinese university students (87.9%women,mean age=23.45years, SD =1.303) who have come to Spain to study Spanish as Foreign Language. Well-being, life satisfaction, engagement, attitude and appreciation concerningSpanish literature were assessed quantitatively. Happiness was assessedthrough a qualitative approach. Results show that student’s happiness islinked to family well-being. Students were more engaged while studyingiinSpain. Students showed greater personal growth and independence whilethey were in Spain; although they had less interpersonal relationshipswhile living in Spain. Social well-being was higher while they were inChina. A relationship between attitude toward literature, engagement, satisfaction with life and psychosocial well-being was found. Themain conclusion is that well-being and happiness of Chinese studentsare variables that are affected by the change of country. Literatureand its way of teaching have an important role in the enhancementof engagement, life satisfaction and well-being. 

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Ovejero-Bruna, M., López-Ríos, S., & González, G. (2017). Spanish literature and well-being: The case of Chinese students in Spain. Journal of Behavior, Health & Social Issues, 8(2), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbhsi.2016.11.002