# Hedonic Adaptation and the Set Point for Subjective Well-Being URL: {{url}} Zotero Link: {{pdfZoteroLink}} # Summary ### Abstract Classical theories of hedonic adaptation assume that lasting changes in subjective well-being (SWB) are not possible because one’s SWB inevitably returns to its baseline level, a phenomenon known as the hedonic treadmill. This baseline level is sometimes referred to as the set point for SWB and is assumed to be primarily determined by heritable factors. In this chapter, we review classical theories on hedonic adaptation: adaptation-level theory, range-frequency theory, hedonic relativism and the hedonic treadmill, opponent-process theory, the concept of the genetically determined set point, the distinction between desensitization and shifts in adaptation levels, and dynamic equilibrium theory. We then review the empirical evidence on these theories, with a focus on longitudinal studies on the heritability and stability of SWB, on changes in SWB after life events, and on the effectiveness of SWB interventions. Together, the empirical evidence suggests that although SWB is stable for most people, lasting changes are nevertheless possible. Recent theoretical developments such as the revised set-point theory, SWB homeostasis theory, and the hedonic adaptation prevention model offer different explanations for these findings. The chapter concludes with a discussion of four central questions that need to be addressed in future research. # Annotations (5/13/2023, 6:36:22 PM) “Social comparisons are assumed to be particular powerful. For example, whether receiving one’s monthly salary is experienced as hedonically positive, negative, or neutral depends not only on one’s previous salaries (the salary would be experienced as positive if it were higher than before) but also on the salary of similar people (e.g., the salary would be experienced as negative if it were still lower than the salary of one’s co-workers). Brickman and Campbell realized that the hedonic treadmill has serious individual and societal implications. On the individual level, it implies that “subjective pleasure is, as a state, by its very nature transient and, as a goal, an ever-receding illusion” (Brickman & Campbell, 1971, p. 289) unless one manages to get off the hedonic treadmill by “abandoning all evaluative judgments” (Brickman & Campbell, 1971, p. 300).” (Luhmann and Intelisano, p. 4) [[Hedonic adaptation creates a tragedy of the commons]]. Social influence plays a massive influence on our behavior. The degree of positivity or negativity derived from an experience is dependent on not only own standing but our standing relative to those in our environment. The terrible problem is that if everyone is motivated to attain higher possessions relative to others the reference point for what is considered standard keeps increasing leaving everyone less happy as a result. Hedonic adaptation is a tragedy of the commons. That’s why the only solution is to step off the treadmill. “This conclusion was backed up by the Easterlin Paradox which describes the observation that national happiness levels remain constant across time despite rising income levels (Easterlin, 1974)” (Luhmann and Intelisano, p. 5) “The average reaction and rate of adaptation vary substantially across different life events. Based on the notion that negative stimuli often have stronger effects than positive stimuli (Baumeister, Bratslavsky, Finkenauer, & Vohs, 2001; Cacioppo, Gardner, & Berntson, 1999), a common assumption is that people adapt faster to positive events than to negative events (Cummins, 2010; Larsen & Prizmic, 2008). Indeed, those events that appear to have lasting effects on SWB (e.g., unemployment, widowhood, disability) would be considered undesirable by most people. It is easy, however, to come up with counterexamples. Adaptation is quick after divorce (Luhmann, Hofmann, et al., 2012), another rather undesirable life event. Moreover, some studies find lasting positive changes in SWB after events such as cosmetic surgery (Margraf, Meyer, & Lavallee, 2015) and moving to a greener urban area (Alcock, White, Wheeler, Fleming, & Depledge, 2014).” (Luhmann and Intelisano, p. 17) Adaptation is generally faster for positive events but there are exceptions.