Page 54 - IJSA, Vol. 6, No 2, 2023

International Journal of Science Annals, Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023
рrint ISSN: 2617-2682; online ISSN: 2707-3637; DOI:10.26697/ijsa

- It is important to be aware of our wants and to manage By recognizing the hedonic treadmill, individuals can
them healthily. become more mindful of their desires and aspirations.
- We should not let our wants control us. We should They can strive to find happiness in experiences,
instead focus on living a life that is meaningful and relationships, personal development, and meaningful
fulfilling. connections rather than relying solely on external factors
Desires, wants and dissatisfaction are very complex that may provide temporary satisfaction.
processes. Desires want, and dissatisfaction is a complex The Hedonic treadmill encourages individuals to seek a
process influenced by various psychological, social, and more balanced and sustainable approach to happiness,
cultural factors. Understanding this complexity requires one that acknowledges the transience of external desires
delving into several key aspects: and focuses on cultivating inner contentment and well-
1. Formation of desires: Desires can emerge from a being.
variety of sources, including innate biological needs, 4. Social comparison: Social comparison plays a
social conditioning, personal experiences, and cultural significant role in the psychology of desires, which can
influences. Our desires are shaped by the values, beliefs, lead to negative emotions such as envy, jealousy, and
and expectations ingrained in us through upbringing and discontentment. We often evaluate our desires and
societal norms. satisfaction based on how we perceive others'
2. Subjectivity of wants: Wants are subjective and vary possessions, achievements, or lifestyles. This
from person to person. What one individual desires may comparison can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction if we
differ from another based on their unique perspectives, believe our desires are not met in comparison to others.
personalities, and life experiences. This subjectivity adds When we compare ourselves to others, particularly in
to the complexity of understanding desires and their terms of possessions, achievements, or social status, we
fulfillment. often overlook or devalue what we already have. This
3. Hedonic treadmill: The phenomenon known as the tendency to focus on what we lack rather than
“hedonic treadmill” (Brickman & Campbell, 1971) appreciating our circumstances can generate feelings of
suggests that humans tend to adapt quickly to new inadequacy and fuel an unending cycle of desires and
circumstances and experiences. As a result, even when dissatisfaction.
desires are fulfilled, the initial happiness and satisfaction Finding peace and contentment requires a shift in mindset
may fade, leading to new desires and an ongoing cycle of and a conscious effort to let go of the habit of
seeking more to maintain a sense of fulfillment comparison. It involves cultivating a sense of gratitude
(Rosenbloom, 2010, August 7). for what we have and embracing the idea that our worth
The hedonic treadmill, also known as hedonic adaptation, and happiness are not defined by external markers or
is a psychological phenomenon that refers to the comparisons with others.
tendency of individuals to return to a relatively stable Understanding our motives and choices is crucial in
level of happiness or well-being after experiencing determining how much we truly need and setting
positive or negative life events. It suggests that despite limitations on our wants. By reflecting on our values,
changes in circumstances or material possessions, priorities, and genuine needs, we can develop a clearer
people's happiness levels tend to revert to a baseline or understanding of what brings true fulfillment to our lives.
set point. It is important to distinguish between genuine needs and
According to the hedonic treadmill theory, individuals desires fueled by external influences or societal
initially experience a boost in happiness when they pressures.
achieve or acquire something they desire, such as a Choosing to be happy and satisfied with what we have,
promotion, a new possession, or a positive life event. while also striving for personal growth and improvement,
However, over time, this initial increase in happiness can lead to a more peaceful and contented life. We
diminishes, and individuals adapt to their new focusing on our progress and setting goals that align with
circumstances. As a result, they require even more our values, we can free ourselves from the constant cycle
positive events or acquisitions to maintain the same level of comparison and find fulfillment in our unique journey.
of happiness. Finding peace and contentment requires a shift in
The concept of the hedonic treadmill is rooted in the idea mindset, letting go of comparison, embracing gratitude,
that humans have a remarkable capacity to adjust to and focusing on our personal growth and happiness
changing circumstances, both positive and negative, and without being overly influenced by external standards.
return to their baseline level of happiness. This It is a continuous process that requires self-reflection,
adaptation can occur relatively quickly, which may self-acceptance, and an appreciation for the present
explain why the initial excitement or satisfaction derived moment.
from achieving a desire tends to fade over time. 5. Impact of advertising and consumer culture:
The hedonic treadmill has implications for our Advertising and consumer culture heavily influence our
understanding of happiness and well-being. It suggests desires by promoting certain products, lifestyles, and
that the pursuit of material possessions or external ideals. These external influences shape our perceptions
achievements alone may not lead to long-term happiness. of what is desirable and can contribute to a perpetual
Instead, it highlights the importance of focusing on sense of dissatisfaction as we constantly strive to attain
internal factors, personal growth and cultivating a the advertised standards of happiness and success.
positive mindset to sustain well-being.

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