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Do Aspirations and Adaptation Impede the Maximization of Happiness?

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Human Happiness and the Pursuit of Maximization

Part of the book series: Happiness Studies Book Series ((HAPS))

Abstract

This chapter examines psychological theories of happiness and their implications for the maximization of happiness. Set-point theory and adaptation theory assume that it is impossible to maximize happiness, whereas positive psychological theories see an unfulfilled potential for lasting increases in happiness. We point out problems in the interpretation of existing evidence and conclude that maximization of happiness is neither simple nor futile. One of the main obstacles for increasing happiness is that individuals are often quite good at maximizing happiness. As a result, happiness in wealthy and free nations is close to the maximum. To demonstrate further improvements, it is important to refine measures of happiness, establish a solid foundation of empirical findings, and develop theories that can explain these findings.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada

    Ulrich Schimmack & Hyunji Kim

  2. Valerie Tiberius Department of Philosophy, University of Minnesota, South Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Ulrich Schimmack

Authors
  1. Ulrich Schimmack
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  2. Hyunji Kim
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Correspondence to Ulrich Schimmack .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, Bremen, 28759, Germany

    Hilke Brockmann

  2. School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, Bremen, 28759, Germany

    Jan Delhey

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Schimmack, U., Kim, H. (2013). Do Aspirations and Adaptation Impede the Maximization of Happiness?. In: Brockmann, H., Delhey, J. (eds) Human Happiness and the Pursuit of Maximization. Happiness Studies Book Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6609-9_9

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