So - you thought that buying a new car was going to make you feel so much better?   


https://psychcentral.com/health/hedonic-adaption#examples


September 20, 2024


Hedonic adaptation describes how we generally return to the same level of happiness despite life’s ups and downs. Practicing gratitude and creating meaning can help you maintain a greater level of contentment.

Many of us know what it’s like to walk out of a store feeling excited about a new purchase, only for that excitement to wane over the coming weeks, days, or even hours, in some cases.

This process is called the hedonic adaptation cycle. After a positive or negative life event or experience, you ultimately return to your baseline level of happiness you had before the experience.



Examples of the hedonic adaptation cycle
Hedonic adaptation can play out in a variety of ways, positively or negatively, depending on the experience.


According to McNulty, a common example of hedonic adaptation is the experience of buying a new car.

“Initially, there’s a surge of excitement and happiness. You might enjoy showing it off to friends, revel in the new car smell, and appreciate the advanced features. However, over time, the novelty wears off, and that initial excitement diminishes as the car becomes just another part of your daily routine.”


Dr. Bernstein noted that after getting a promotion or raise, it’s exciting to see the extra money, fantasize about how to use it, and imagine how your life will improve with the increase.

“Eventually, we become used to the paycheck and it becomes our new normal,” she said. “We move back down to our baseline of happiness.”

This same cycle can occur with other purchases, as well as new relationships and even winning the lottery.