The Endless Pursuit for Happiness
A psychological principle—Hedonic Adaptation—may explain why it feels impossible to reach the “finish line” of happiness.
Do you ever worry that you’ll never be truly satisfied? Do you worry that it’s impossible to get happy and stay happy? If so, you’re not alone.
This never-ending chase for happiness is a common feeling, and psychologists posit a possible reason for this phenomenon.
Hedonic adaptation, also known as the hedonic treadmill, is the human tendency to return to a set level of happiness regardless of life’s ups and downs.
Understanding this concept can be really helpful, so let’s dig in.
What is the Hedonic Treadmill?
A pair of psychologists introduced the theory of hedonic adaptation in 1971, suggesting that everyone has an emotional baseline that’s constant despite the ebbs and flows of life.
All people do not have the same baseline, but it’s generally more positive than negative for most people.
People experience pleasure or sadness only when something is more positive or negative than their unique baseline. After that surge of emotion, however, they’ll eventually (often quickly) return to their set point.
