Question

Describe the factors associated with happiness, as well as those not associated with happiness. Why do these correlations exist? How do ‘relative deprivation’ and the ‘adaptation level phenomenon’ explain why money does not buy happiness and why people think it does?

Answer 1

Happiness and well being are an important component of the quality of life a person is leading. Depending on their environmental conditions and stimulations, happiness could be affected by various factors such as :

• Positive thinking styles
• social relationships
• adaptation or temperament
• culture and society
• money

a major component of happiness can be seen in the social relationships and the interactions that we have with people around us. Since, humans are social beings, a major part of a person's energy is invested in the various aspects of a relationship. If the relationship of people with their significant other is going well, it adds to the positive well being of the person, and vice versa. Also, depending on how we perceive a situation, what we would want to take away from a situation would also determine our levels of happiness.

money in this case has been put as the last option that would provide happiness. This is because in reality, money cannot buy true happiness. Humans are not capable of understanding long term needs and hence, their entire focus shifts on the short term needs. People perceive money as bringing happiness because it brings instant gratification, satisfying the id part of the personality. But, this is the co,pone that only lasts for a while and as soon as it is achieved, a person strives to buy something else. Hence, money does not buy happiness, only creates a perception of it.

this is further enhanced through relative deprivation. When a person has constantly been subjected to lack of a resource, it's achievement makes them feel happy. Once the resource becomes a norm, this new need that arises can be explained through adaptation level phenomenon. Thus, this cycle continues.