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Part of
Narrative Absorption
Edited by Frank Hakemulder, Moniek M. Kuijpers, Ed S. Tan, Katalin Bálint and Miruna M. Doicaru
[Linguistic Approaches to Literature 27] 2017
► pp. 253–269

Chapter 12
Absorption and meaningfulness

Examining the relationship between eudaimonic media use and engagement

| Pennsylvania State University
| Pennsylvania State University
| Louisiana State University
| Southern Methodist University
| Angelo State University

Recent scholarship has begun to theorize “eudaimonic” media gratifications – gratifications regarding meaningfulness, including thoughts about the human condition, human values, and questions of virtue. In this chapter, we examine the intersection of narrative absorption and eudaimonic gratifications from a variety of vantage points. First, we provide a brief discussion of how we are using these two concepts. Second, we consider eudaimonic motivations as trait-like and state-like measures that are used to describe viewers’ use of media in their search for meaning, and how this motivation heightens the likelihood of absorption during subsequent viewing. Third, we explore theoretical and conceptual accounts of how absorption into narrative worlds may ultimately serve to satisfy eudaimonic goals, resulting in feelings of heightened well-being. Finally, we will outline ideas for how future scholarship may account for evolving technologies in the examination of these relationships.

Keywords: meaningfulness, absorption, eudaimonia, hedonism, entertainment, transportation, involvement, gratification, insight, affect
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Concepts and scope
  • 3.Meaningfulness as a predictor of absorption
    • 3.1Meaningful-related traits as precursors to engagement
    • 3.2Meaningful-related states as predictors of absorption
  • 4.Meaningfulness as an outcome of absorption
    • 4.1Absorption itself as a meaningful process
  • 5.Absorption into meaningful content
    • 5.1Why meaningful content is absorbing
    • 5.2Gratifications of confronting difficulties
    • 5.3Gratifications of hope and gratitude
    • 5.4Gratifications of connectedness
  • 6.Limitations and future directions
  • 7.Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 9 November 2017
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lal.27.13oli
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