PSYC 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Gift Card
28 Mar 2016
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Goal-state that animals have evolved to pursue. We are happier when we are healthy, well-fed, comfortable, safe, prosperous, knowledgeable, respected, non-celibate, and loved. Positive emotion rises until around lunchtime and the falls steadily until bedtime. Genes determine an individual"s happiness set point . Happiness set point is stable over time. People return to their set points after processing major life events. When our wealth or other life conditions improve, we are happier compared to our past condition. Then we adapt, for a a new normal level. Level of contentment does not permanently stay higher when we gain income and wealth. Disability and loss do not result in a permanent decrease in happiness. Self actualizing people enjoy life in general and practically all its aspects while most other people enjoy only stray moments of triumph. Feeling worse off by comparing yourself to people who are doing better. Ex: you study with a group of friends.
