Abstract
The nature of happiness is considered. A model is reviewed in which the affect system is continuously recalibrated regarding a given domain of experiences as a function of the dominant affective tone those experiences have over time. In this view, people who experience repeated negative affect in a domain undergo an adjustment such that they become less demanding about the quality of experience producing happiness; people who experience repeated positive affect in a domain undergo an adjustment such that they become more demanding about the quality of experience required for happiness. Each results in a re-balancing of the system. As objective circumstances vary, the person still experiences both happiness and unhappiness. Implications are considered for large life changes and for individuals with disabilities.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 336-341 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | American Journal on Mental Retardation |
Volume | 105 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Rehabilitation
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Health Professions(all)