Elements of 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...

Critics view the hedonic adaptation tendency as a generalization that fails to take potentially shifting factors into account.

• Significant life events such as loss of employment or the end of a major relationship can change one's original level of contentment.
• Negative events a...

... also referred to as hedonic treadmill, is defined as "the observed tendency of humans to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes"  - Positive Psychology Program.

After a while, people become used to change...