Hedonic Treadmill

Definition: The hedonic treadmill is a psychological phenomenon that explains why material possessions or reaching major life goals do not make people happier for long periods of time. When people reach a certain goal or attain a new possession, there is often a burst of happiness. Unfortunately, expectations and material desires often increase with this, thus after a short period of time the person returns to the level of happiness he/she was at before the new attainment. Click here for GAD treatment options.