Why people “lie flat”? An integrative framework of social-psychological pathways in China

Abstract

Academic abstract: “Lying flat” is manifested as opting out, often marked by aimlessness and a pessimistic outlook. While this raises clinical concerns, it may carry a positive meaning in Chinese culture, emphasizing the pursuit of inner calmness and fulfillment. Despite its growing prevalence on Chinese social media, its antecedents and implications are still unclear. To address this gap, we first define “lying flat” and trace its emergence in Chinese society. Next, we propose an integrative model that elucidates how Taoism and Buddhism, social expectations, and involution contribute to “lying flat.” By incorporating insights from Western theories, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this culturally rooted lifestyle. Finally, we lay out a research agenda by proposing specific hypotheses regarding its effects on well-being and social functioning, with the goal of clarifying its potentially adaptive aspects in contrast to its clinical ones. We also discuss implications for mental health professionals and policymakers. Public abstract: “Lying flat” outwardly manifests as opting out, often associated with a sense of passivity and lack of direction. Yet within Chinese culture, it might hold a deeper meaning: the pursuit of inner peace as a path to personal fulfillment. This lifestyle has recently gained widespread attention in China. Despite its increasing prevalence, much remains unknown about its origins and implications. In this article, we explain what “lying flat” is and how it has emerged in Chinese society. Our model demonstrates how factors, such as Taoism and Buddhism, social expectations, and involution, drive this behavior. By integrating insights from Western theories, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this culturally rooted lifestyle. We also present hypotheses about its effects on well-being and social functioning, aiming to clarify its potentially adaptive features in contrast to those that may raise clinical concerns. We propose practical strategies for mental health professionals and policymakers.