Family Tourist Emotional Experience: Emotion-Generative and Regulatory Process Nan Chen, Cathy H. C. Hsu Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 2026 Family tourism has received much scholarly attention, but few studies have examined family tourists’ experience by viewing them as active agents that generate and regulate emotions. This study aims to disclose family tourists’ dynamic emotional experiences through probing into their emotion generative and regulatory process. An extended Chinese family taking a 6-day overseas trip was recruited and each member was interviewed multiple times throughout the pre-, during- (assisted by participatory observation and psychophysiological data), and post-trip phrases. The family tourists reported 64 emotional episodes, 32 discrete emotions, and 13 emotion regulation strategies. Their emotion-generation and regulation were revealed as an interdependent and cyclical cognitive appraisal process that occurs in complex social settings. The proposed psychological mechanism model contributes to tourism and psychological literature by highlighting the dynamic and social nature of family tourists’ emotions, and the role of memory in their emotion dynamics. Future research directions on family tourists’ emotion regulation are suggested.
The Stereotype-Emotion-Interaction Relationship: A Tourist-Resident Dual Perspective Cathy H. C. Hsu, Daisy X. F. Fan, Nan Chen, Shiqin Zhang Journal of Travel Research, 2025 Tourist–resident interactions are essential for determining the social dynamics and sustainability of destinations, but their formation mechanisms from both perspectives are lacking. Based on the behaviours from inter-group affect and stereotypes map and social identity theory, through two surveys, this study explored the relationship between stereotypes, emotions, and interactive behavioural intentions. It also examined the moderating effect of social identity on the relationship between emotions and interactive behavioural intentions. The results demonstrated different mechanisms for interactive behavioural intention formation across people with different social identities and between Mainland Chinese tourists and Hong Kong residents. Moreover, social identity exerted different moderating effects on the relationship between positive and negative emotional pathways, highlighting the importance of emotional valence in the stereotype–interaction link. This study offers a reciprocal view to understand tourist–resident interactions at destinations and provides insightful implications for destination management organisations, tourism operators, and local communities.
Emotion regulation research in hospitality and tourism Cathy H.C. Hsu, Nan Chen, Shiqin Zhang International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2024 Purpose This paper aims to develop a comprehensive model on intra- and interpersonal emotion regulation (ER) in hospitality and tourism (H&T) service encounters. Design/methodology/approach A critical review and reflection of ER research from multiple disciplines was conducted. Methodologies appropriate for investigating ER were also reviewed. Findings A comprehensive framework was proposed to outline key influential factors, processes and consequences of intra- and interpersonal ER in service encounters in the H&T industry. Methodologies integrating advanced tools were suggested to measure complex and dynamic emotion generation and regulation processes in social interactions from a multimodal perspective. Research limitations/implications The researchers developed a comprehensive conceptual model on both intra- and interpersonal ER based on a critical review of the most recent psychological research on ER. Various theoretical and methodological considerations are discussed, offering H&T scholars a solid starting point to explore dynamic emotion generation and regulation processes in complex social settings. Moreover, the model provides future directions for the expansion of ER theories, which have been mostly developed and tested based on laboratory research. Originality/value The proposed model addresses two critical issues identified in emotion research in the H&T field: the lack of a dynamic perspective and the neglect of the social nature of emotions. Moreover, the model provides a roadmap for future research.
Multi-Modal-based Emotional Contagion from Tourists to Hosts: The Dual-Process Mechanism Shiqin Zhang, Nan Chen, Cathy H.C. Hsu, Jin-Xing Hao Journal of Travel Research, 2023 Emotional reactions and transmissions are crucial to host-tourist interaction yet lacking in research, particularly from the host viewpoint. To deepen understanding of host-tourist interaction, this study took a host perspective to examine emotional contagion from tourists to hosts. By adopting video-vignette based interaction scenarios and cutting-edge techniques (e.g., FaceReader), a real-time multi-modal investigation was undertaken to reveal mechanism underlying emotional contagion of Hong Kong residents from Mainland Chinese tourists. Results theoretically consolidated the dual-process mechanism underpinning automatic emotional contagion and empirically verified an Emotional Contagion Model (ECM) from tourists to hosts. The compelling effects of mimicry, interaction context and stereotypes explained the emotional convergence and divergence between hosts and tourists. The study extended the knowledge boundary of host-tourist interaction to micro-level interpersonal emotional connection. Moreover, the verified ECM theoretically advances emotional contagion mechanism in the social psychology literature. Practical guidelines for host-tourist relation management and sustainable destination development were provided.
Making Sense of Fengshui and Customers’ Experiences of Hotel Room Stays: A Vignette-Induced Interview Approach Jialin (Snow) Wu, Nan Chen, Christine Y. H. Zeng, Markus Schuckert Journal of China Tourism Research, 2023 Despite the well-documented cultural importance of fengshui, little research has been carried out to provide a theoretically complex view of its impacts on customers’ experiences of hotel stays. This study explores customers’ perceptions of hotel rooms’ fengshui and seeks to make sense of links between the environment, fengshui beliefs and hotel-staying experiences. Under a qualitative paradigm, a vignette-induced interview approach was employed to deconstruct beliefs in fengshui and their influence on customers’ perceptions of hotel rooms. The findings reveal that customers’ beliefs in fengshui explicitly or implicitly affect their perceptions of environmental stimuli, evaluations of hotel rooms, and behavioral intentions. Moreover, hotel guests focus more on prevention than promotion when staying in hotel rooms, especially those with strong beliefs in fengshui. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework is developed by integrating the perceptional process model and the regulatory focus theory, which may usefully inform future quantitative research.
Developing Video Vignettes for Tourism Research: Protocol and Quality Indicators Nan Chen, Cathy H. C. Hsu, Philip L. Pearce Journal of Travel Research, 2022 Video vignettes are information-rich stimuli using audio and visual presentations to elicit viewer responses. Though rarely used in tourism research, messages delivered via video vignettes are arguably more engaging and realistic than written vignettes. This paper aims to develop clear guidelines for producing video vignettes and evaluating such efforts. A rigorous four-step procedure for producing authentic and valid video vignettes is created and implemented. The examined context involves an exploration of stereotypes shared by Hong Kong residents of Mainland Chinese tourists. A total of 10 video vignettes are developed and used as stimuli in 26 semi-structured interviews. Qualitative and quantitative appraisals are conducted to create and test the protocol and quality indicators. Recommendations are made based on the lessons learned from the validation process. The path toward the creation of video vignettes can provide directions for other tourism research inquiries, such as tourist interactions, embodied experiences, and mutual gaze.
Empowering Package Tour Travellers by Disempowering Tourism Operators? Assessing the Effectiveness of the Tourism Law of China Tourism Paradoxes Contradictions Controversies and Challenges, 2021
Profiling for sustainable tourism: Young travellers’ self-transcendence values and motivations European Journal of Tourism Research, 2021
Family tourist emotional experience: Emotion-generative and regulatory process N Chen, CHC Hsu Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research 50 (1), 111-134 , 2026 2026 Citations: 11
Dual identity and ambivalent sentiment of border residents: Predicting border community support for tourism development N Chen, FS Li, J Ma Tourism Management 106, 105000 , 2025 2025 Citations: 18
Making Sense of Fengshui and Customers’ Experiences of Hotel Room Stays: A Vignette-Induced Interview Approach J Wu, N Chen, CYH Zeng, M Schuckert Journal of China Tourism Research 19 (4), 902-925 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Multi-modal-based emotional contagion from tourists to hosts: The dual-process mechanism S Zhang, N Chen, CHC Hsu, JX Hao Journal of Travel Research 62 (6), 1328-1346 , 2023 2023 Citations: 28
Developing video vignettes for tourism research: Protocol and quality indicators N Chen, CHC Hsu, P L. Pearce Journal of Travel Research 61 (8), 1828-1847 , 2022 2022 Citations: 29
Exploring The Effect Of Mortality Salience On Travel Intention N Chen, S Ji 5th Global Tourism and Hospitality Conference Proceedings, 669-672 , 2022 2022
Resident sentiment toward a dominant tourist market: Scale development and validation N Chen, CHC Hsu, X Li Journal of Travel Research 60 (7), 1408-1425 , 2021 2021 Citations: 36
Tourist stereotype content: Dimensions and accessibility N Chen, CHC Hsu Annals of Tourism Research 89, 103212 , 2021 2021 Citations: 58
Facial expressions versus words: Unlocking complex emotional responses of residents toward tourists S Zhang, N Chen, CHC Hsu Tourism Management 83, 104226 , 2021 2021 Citations: 52
Empowering package tour travellers by disempowering tourism operators? Assessing the effectiveness of the Tourism Law of China N Chen, K Burns, J Wang Tourism Paradoxes: Contradictions, Controversies and Challenges, 74-96 , 2021 2021
Introducing news media sentiment analytics to residents’ attitudes research JX Hao, Y Fu, C Hsu, X Li, N Chen Journal of Travel Research 59 (8), 1353-1369 , 2020 2020 Citations: 43
A Longitudinal Panel Study on Tourist Emotional Experience: Exploring Emotion Generative and Regulatory Processes NM Chen, CHC Hsu 2020
The Resident Sentiment Index: Validation in a Japanese Context K Sano, CH Hsu, N Chen, K Boukamba Critical Tourism Studies–Asia Pacific , 2020 2020
Exploring Tourist Stereotype Content Using Repertory Grid Technique N Chen, CH Hsu THE 30TH ANNUAL COUNCIL FOR AUSTRALASIAN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY EDUCATION … , 2020 2020
Chinese outbound tourist preferences for all-inclusive group package tours: A latent class choice model N Chen, L Masiero, CHC Hsu Journal of Travel Research 58 (6), 916-931 , 2019 2019 Citations: 67
Resident attribution and tourist stereotypes CHC Hsu, N Chen Journal of hospitality & tourism research 43 (4), 489-516 , 2019 2019 Citations: 60
Feeling superior or deprived? Attitudes and underlying mentalities of residents towards Mainland Chinese tourists N Chen, CHC Hsu, XR Li Tourism Management 66, 94-107 , 2018 2018 Citations: 149
Understanding young Chinese wine consumers through innovation diffusion theory MHT Yap, N Chen Tourism and hospitality management 23 (1), 51-68 , 2017 2017 Citations: 27
The Resident Sentiment Index Development and Validation N Chen, CHC Hsu, R Li 3rd Global Tourism & Hospitality Conference, 421-424 , 2017 2017
Resident sentiment: preliminary conceptualization and measurement CHC Hsu, XR Li, N Chen 2016 TTRA International Conference , 2016 2016 Citations: 2
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Exploring destination image, experience and revisit intention: A comparison of sport and non-sport tourist perceptions N Chen, DC Funk Journal of Sport & Tourism 15 (3), 239-259 , 2010 2010 Citations: 360
Exploring destination image decay: A study of sport tourists’ destination image change after event participation C King, N Chen, DC Funk Journal of hospitality & tourism research 39 (1), 3-31 , 2015 2015 Citations: 226
Sport tourists’ involvement with a destination: A stage-based examination K Filo, N Chen, C King, DC Funk Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research 37 (1), 100-124 , 2013 2013 Citations: 161
Feeling superior or deprived? Attitudes and underlying mentalities of residents towards Mainland Chinese tourists N Chen, CHC Hsu, XR Li Tourism Management 66, 94-107 , 2018 2018 Citations: 149
Chinese outbound tourist preferences for all-inclusive group package tours: A latent class choice model N Chen, L Masiero, CHC Hsu Journal of Travel Research 58 (6), 916-931 , 2019 2019 Citations: 67
An extended study on destination image decay of sport tourists over time N Chen, S Ji, DC Funk Journal of Destination Marketing & Management 2 (4), 241-252 , 2014 2014 Citations: 65
Resident attribution and tourist stereotypes CHC Hsu, N Chen Journal of hospitality & tourism research 43 (4), 489-516 , 2019 2019 Citations: 60
Tourist stereotype content: Dimensions and accessibility N Chen, CHC Hsu Annals of Tourism Research 89, 103212 , 2021 2021 Citations: 58
Facial expressions versus words: Unlocking complex emotional responses of residents toward tourists S Zhang, N Chen, CHC Hsu Tourism Management 83, 104226 , 2021 2021 Citations: 52
Introducing news media sentiment analytics to residents’ attitudes research JX Hao, Y Fu, C Hsu, X Li, N Chen Journal of Travel Research 59 (8), 1353-1369 , 2020 2020 Citations: 43
Resident sentiment toward a dominant tourist market: Scale development and validation N Chen, CHC Hsu, X Li Journal of Travel Research 60 (7), 1408-1425 , 2021 2021 Citations: 36
Developing video vignettes for tourism research: Protocol and quality indicators N Chen, CHC Hsu, P L. Pearce Journal of Travel Research 61 (8), 1828-1847 , 2022 2022 Citations: 29
Multi-modal-based emotional contagion from tourists to hosts: The dual-process mechanism S Zhang, N Chen, CHC Hsu, JX Hao Journal of Travel Research 62 (6), 1328-1346 , 2023 2023 Citations: 28
Understanding young Chinese wine consumers through innovation diffusion theory MHT Yap, N Chen Tourism and hospitality management 23 (1), 51-68 , 2017 2017 Citations: 27
Dual identity and ambivalent sentiment of border residents: Predicting border community support for tourism development N Chen, FS Li, J Ma Tourism Management 106, 105000 , 2025 2025 Citations: 18
Family tourist emotional experience: Emotion-generative and regulatory process N Chen, CHC Hsu Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research 50 (1), 111-134 , 2026 2026 Citations: 11
Making Sense of Fengshui and Customers’ Experiences of Hotel Room Stays: A Vignette-Induced Interview Approach J Wu, N Chen, CYH Zeng, M Schuckert Journal of China Tourism Research 19 (4), 902-925 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Resident sentiment: preliminary conceptualization and measurement CHC Hsu, XR Li, N Chen 2016 TTRA International Conference , 2016 2016 Citations: 2
External and Internal Determinants Contributing to Event Participation and Destination Revisitation: A Sport Tourism Perspective N Chen Griffith University , 2012 2012 Citations: 1
Exploring The Effect Of Mortality Salience On Travel Intention N Chen, S Ji 5th Global Tourism and Hospitality Conference Proceedings, 669-672 , 2022 2022
