Hedonic Adaptation
The drift back toward a baseline level of happiness after good or bad events — named the hedonic treadmill because you keep walking and stay in place.
Full definition of Hedonic Adaptation →:: COMPARE ::
Hedonic adaptationvsSet-point theory
The short answer
Set-point theory is the strong claim — a fixed baseline you always return to. Hedonic adaptation is the weaker observed process. The 2006 revisions kept the process and abandoned the fixed point.
Side by side
| Aspect | Hedonic adaptation | Set-point theory |
|---|---|---|
| Claims a fixed baseline | No | Yes |
| Survived review | Yes | Not intact |
| Applies to everyone equally | No | Claimed yes |
| Status | Process | Revised |
What each one means
Set-point theory
The contrast above sets out how Set-point theory differs from Hedonic Adaptation on the points that actually matter.