ABSTRACT
The hedonic treadmill is a metaphor for a psychological phenomenon where individuals attempt to create various positive experiences to increase their happiness. However, these efforts are typically successful only for a short period, as individuals eventually return to their baseline level of subjective well-being. This return to equilibrium is due to hedonic adaptation, a process in which people become accustomed to positive (and negative) stimuli, leading to a diminished emotional impact over time. Hedonic adaptation to positive circumstances is significant at the individual level, presenting a substantial obstacle to enhancing and sustaining long-term happiness.
