Hedonic Treadmill
/hɪˈdɒnɪk ˈtrɛd.mɪl/noun
The tendency for people to return toward a stable level of happiness despite positive or negative life changes.
Did you know?The psychological term was introduced in 1971 by Brickman and Campbell, adapting the image of endlessly running without making forward progress.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*swād-
“To be sweet or pleasant; the proposed ancient root behind the pleasure-related part of the word.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
hēdonē
“Pleasure or enjoyment; the source of English hedonic.”
19th Century
English
hedonic
“Relating to pleasure or the pursuit of pleasure.”
15th Century
English
treadmill
“A moving or revolving mill operated by walking on steps or a wheel.”
1971
English
hedonic treadmill
“A psychological metaphor for adapting to changing circumstances and returning toward a baseline of happiness.”
Modern English
English
hedonic treadmill
“The tendency for emotional gains from life changes to diminish as people adapt to them.”