The Hedonic Treadmill, explained:

The hedonic treadmill (also called hedonic adaptation) is a psychological concept describing how people tend to return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative life changes.

Core Idea
No matter what happens — winning the lottery, getting a promotion, or experiencing loss — our emotional state tends to “reset” over time. After a period of excitement or sadness, people usually revert to their baseline level of happiness.

Psychological Explanation
Adaptation: Humans quickly get used to new circumstances. Once something becomes familiar, it has less emotional impact.

Comparison: We constantly compare ourselves to others or to our past selves, adjusting expectations and satisfaction levels.

Desire Renewal: Once one goal is achieved, a new one arises — keeping us “running” on the treadmill of seeking happiness.

Example
Someone wins $10 million. At first, their happiness spikes.

After months or a year, they adapt to the new lifestyle, and their happiness returns to roughly the same level as before the win.

Similarly, someone who loses their job may feel depressed but often recovers emotionally over time.

Therapeutic Implications
In psychotherapy or positive psychology, this concept emphasizes:

The importance of cultivating internal sources of happiness (like gratitude, mindfulness, or meaning) rather than external ones.

Encouraging clients to build sustainable well-being practices, not rely solely on changing life circumstances.

I would like to explain how the hedonic treadmill connects specifically to psychotherapy:

In psychotherapy, the hedonic treadmill helps explain why external life changes — money, success, relationships — often fail to produce lasting happiness or relief from emotional distress.

Here’s how it connects clinically and therapeutically:

1. Understanding Client Dissatisfaction
Many clients enter therapy believing:

“If I get this job, partner, or house, I’ll finally be happy.”

The hedonic treadmill helps therapists show that external goals alone don’t create enduring fulfillment. This awareness can shift therapy toward internal growth, values, and self-awareness, rather than constant pursuit of new external “fixes.”

2. Focus on Sustainable Well-Being
Therapists often teach clients to build psychological resilience and inner contentment through:

Mindfulness (staying present and savoring experiences)

Gratitude practices (appreciating what one already has)

Values-based living (pursuing meaning, not just pleasure)

Self-compassion (reducing self-criticism)

These help break the cycle of adaptation and create a deeper baseline of well-being.

3. Cognitive and Behavioral Reframing
In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), clients may learn that chasing external rewards can reinforce avoidance of inner pain.
Instead, therapy works on acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action — anchoring happiness in personal meaning and acceptance, not constant novelty.

4. Example in Session
Client: “I thought getting this promotion would make me happy, but I feel empty again.”
Therapist: “That’s a common experience — our minds adapt quickly to new rewards. Let’s explore what lasting satisfaction means for you beyond achievement.”

This opens the door to deeper existential or emotional exploration.

5. Ultimate Goal
Psychotherapy helps clients step off the hedonic treadmill — to find a sense of peace and meaning that isn’t constantly dependent on external changes.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Hedonia:

Here’s a clear explanation of hedonia:

What is Hedonia?

Hedonia is a concept in psychology and philosophy that refers to the pursuit of pleasure and immediate gratification. It’s about seeking experiences that feel good and avoiding pain or discomfort. In simple terms, hedonia is about happiness through pleasure.

Key Points About Hedonia:

Focus on pleasure: Hedonia emphasizes feeling good right now — enjoying sensory pleasures like tasty food, fun activities, or relaxation.

Immediate satisfaction: It’s about short-term happiness and avoiding unpleasant experiences.

Opposite concept: Hedonia is often contrasted with eudaimonia, which is about finding deeper meaning, purpose, and personal growth rather than just pleasure.

Examples of Hedonia:

Eating your favorite dessert.

Watching a funny movie.

Taking a relaxing vacation.

Buying something that makes you feel good.

Hedonia in Psychology:

Hedonic well-being refers to happiness derived from positive emotions and satisfaction.

It’s a part of subjective well-being — how people feel about their lives emotionally.

Hedonia alone isn’t always enough for lasting happiness; many psychologists argue that combining hedonia with eudaimonia leads to a more fulfilling life.

Let’s break down how hedonia fits into well-being and how it differs from eudaimonia, as these are two major concepts in the psychology of happiness and human flourishing.

Hedonia and Well-Being

Hedonia is a core component of what’s called subjective well-being — how people experience the quality of their lives based on their emotions and life satisfaction.

In this model:

Hedonic well-being includes:

Positive affect (joy, pleasure, comfort)

Low negative affect (little stress or anxiety)

Life satisfaction (general contentment)

It focuses on feeling good — enjoying life, avoiding pain, and maximizing pleasure.

Eudaimonia and Well-Being

Eudaimonia, on the other hand, comes from ancient Greek philosophy (especially Aristotle) and refers to a life of meaning, virtue, and self-realization — not just feeling good, but being good and living well.

Psychological eudaimonia includes:

Purpose in life

Personal growth

Autonomy

Mastery or competence

Positive relationships

Self-acceptance

It’s more about deep fulfillment and living according to one’s values.

Key Differences: Hedonia vs. Eudaimonia

Aspect Hedonia Eudaimonia Focus Pleasure and comfort Meaning, growth, and virtu Time frame Short-term Long-term Motivation Avoid pain, seek pleasure Fulfill one’s potential Example Relaxing at a spa Volunteering for a cause Outcome Feeling good Being fulfilled

How They Work Together

Modern psychology (e.g., Positive Psychology) doesn’t see them as mutually exclusive. In fact, the most balanced and sustainable well-being often combines hedonic enjoyment with eudaimonic purpose.

Think of hedonia as the spice of life.

And eudaimonia as the substance of life.

A life with only pleasure can feel shallow over time, and a life with only purpose can feel burdensome. Together, they create a full and rich experience.

Shervan K Shahhian

Positive Psychology, a great explanation:

Positive Psychology, a great explanation:

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. Instead of focusing on dysfunction, illness, and what’s wrong with people (as traditional psychology often does), Positive Psychology focuses on strengths, well-being, and the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive.

Core Concepts of Positive Psychology

Focus on Strengths
It emphasizes identifying and cultivating personal strengths (like courage, gratitude, resilience, creativity) rather than just fixing weaknesses.
The PERMA Model (by Martin Seligman)
A key framework in Positive Psychology describing five essential elements of well-being:
- P – Positive Emotions: Joy, love, gratitude, hope.
- E – Engagement: Deep involvement in meaningful activities (a state called flow).
- R – Relationships: Positive and supportive social connections.
- M – Meaning: A sense of purpose and belonging to something bigger than oneself.
- A – Accomplishment: Pursuing and achieving goals for the sake of mastery and fulfillment.
Gratitude and Mindfulness
Practices like journaling about what you’re grateful for or being present in the moment help increase happiness and reduce stress.
Optimism and Hope
These are seen not as naive beliefs but as cognitive styles that can be learned and practiced to improve mental resilience and motivation.
Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth
Positive Psychology explores how people can not only recover from adversity but also grow stronger because of it.

Applications of Positive Psychology

Therapy and Coaching: Therapists help clients build strengths, increase happiness, and find meaning.
Education: Promotes student well-being and engagement.
Workplaces: Improves job satisfaction, motivation, and team dynamics.
Healthcare: Boosts recovery and quality of life by fostering positive attitudes.

Key Figures

Martin Seligman – Often called the father of Positive Psychology.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Known for the concept of flow.
Barbara Fredrickson – Researched the “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions.

In Summary:

Positive Psychology asks:

“What makes life worth living?”
It’s about more than just surviving — it’s about thriving, by cultivating the best in ourselves and others.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Eudaimonic:

Understanding Eudaimonic:

Great question! Eudaimonic comes from the Greek word “eudaimonia”, which is often translated as “human flourishing” or “living well”. It’s a concept from ancient philosophy, especially Aristotle, that focuses on living a meaningful, fulfilling life — not just feeling good or experiencing pleasure.

What is Eudaimonic Well-being?

Eudaimonic well-being refers to a deeper sense of happiness that comes from realizing your true potential and living in accordance with your values and purpose.

It’s about personal growth, self-actualization, meaning, and virtue rather than just pleasure or avoiding pain.

How is it different from Hedonic well-being?

Hedonic well-being = pleasure, enjoyment, and avoiding discomfort. Think of it as feeling good in the moment.

Eudaimonic well-being = living a life of meaning, purpose, and authenticity. It might not always feel easy or pleasurable, but it leads to long-term fulfillment.

Examples of Eudaimonic Activities:

Pursuing meaningful goals aligned with your values.

Helping others and contributing to the community.

Developing your talents and skills.

Overcoming challenges to grow as a person.

Why does it matter?

Research in positive psychology shows that eudaimonic well-being is strongly linked to better mental health, resilience, and overall life satisfaction. It’s often seen as a more sustainable form of happiness.

Exercises to cultivate more eudaimonic well-being in your life

Here are some practical exercises to help cultivate eudaimonic well-being — that deeper sense of meaning, growth, and purpose:

1. Reflect on Your Core Values

Write down what matters most to you in life (e.g., honesty, creativity, kindness, growth).

Each day or week, check how your actions align with those values.

Adjust your choices to live more in harmony with what truly matters.

2. Set Meaningful Goals

Identify goals that connect with your values and give you a sense of purpose.

Break them down into small, manageable steps.

Celebrate progress even if the goal is long-term or challenging.

3. Practice Gratitude with a Meaning Focus

Instead of just listing things you’re thankful for, reflect on why those things are meaningful.

For example, instead of “I’m thankful for my job,” think “I’m thankful my job lets me help others and learn new skills.”

4. Engage in Activities That Challenge You

Pick a skill or hobby that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Embrace the process of growth — even failures — as part of your personal development.

5. Contribute to Others

Volunteer, mentor, or help someone in need.

Focus on the impact your actions have on others, which builds a sense of connection and purpose.

6. Mindful Reflection or Journaling

Spend 5–10 minutes daily writing about moments when you felt purposeful, authentic, or fully engaged.

Reflect on what conditions helped you feel that way and how to recreate them.

7. Cultivate Authentic Relationships

Invest time in relationships where you can be your true self.

Share your dreams and listen deeply to others’ experiences.

Shervan K Shahhian