Hedonic adaptation

Hedonic adaptation refers to our desire to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness after a positive or negative change.

When we get a promotion or buy a new television, we may be happy for a while but will gradually grow accustomed to the choice and p...

We quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite positive or negative external events. We pursue a promotion and believe it will make us happy. When we get it, we are temporarily happier, only to get back to our baseline levels the next week.

The hedonic treadmill is the tendency to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness after a major positive or negative event or life change.

You want something because you think it’ll make you happy. But when you get what you want, the new thing will only...