Liu, YunzeYunzeLiuDr. DOS SANTOS Luis Miguel, LouisLouisDr. DOS SANTOS Luis MiguelLiu, KaichangKaichangLiuChen, YongchuanYongchuanChenKwee, Ching Ting TanyChing Ting TanyKweeLo, Ho FaiHo FaiLoChen, LuLuChenQin, XueyanXueyanQinXiao, LipingLipingXiaoZhao, HongfeiHongfeiZhaoWu, JiabaoJiabaoWu2025-07-302025-07-302023Liu, Y., Dos Santos, L. M., Liu, K., Chen, Y., Kwee, C. T. T., Lo, H. F., Chen, L., Qin, X., Xiao, L., Zhao, H., & Wu, J. (4.11.2023). From competition to lying flat: A qualitative study focusing on the youth of today. Re-discovering Youths Today: Identity, Subculture, Psychosocial Functioning, and Service Needs, Hong Kong Shue Yan University.http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/24210Background: Recently, a special phenomenon appeared in China, called “Lying Flat” or “Rat Race”, meaning that many young generations and university students decide to give up their goals and achievements. Moreover, this phenomenon happens among junior-level employees gradually. In contrast, many high school students have to be involved in a competitive situation that consists of high pressure and stringent management mode due to university admission and entry examinations. The two different environments might result in two opposite consequences and change youth’s life directions. <br> Research Questions: This article will discuss the three research questions based on the AQAL (All Quadrants, All Levels) model of the integral theory developed by Ken Wilber, including (1) Why do the youth of today decide to select “lying flat” mode as the main theme of their lives? (2) Why is a huge transformation from high school to university life? (3) What is the most needed for the youth of today to change this situation?<br> Contribution to Practice: This article will investigate the factors behind this phenomenon from a comprehensive perspective including individual, collective, interior, and exterior based on the guidance of the AQAL model of the integral theory. The study aims to find the causes of ‘Lying Flat’ and assist the youth in changing this situation. The study will also outline the understanding of the predicament the youth meet and how to overcome the challenges.<br>enAQAL ModelInvolutionLying FlatYouth of TodayConference Paper