A mathematical model for the dynamics of happiness.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Level 5 by design analogy (theoretical mathematical modeling without empirical human data).
PubMed 35135239 · doi:10.3934/mbe.2022094
What was done
The authors developed a theoretical mathematical model using a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations to simulate the dynamics of an individual's happiness over time. The model integrates theoretical assumptions from positive psychology regarding hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions of well-being.
What was found
The abstract reports no empirical data or numerical statistics. Mathematically, the model reproduces the oscillation of the hedonic treadmill around a homeostatic baseline and shows that lasting happiness can be achieved via dynamical bifurcations driven by constant eudaimonic emotions or altruistic traits.
Why it matters
The study offers a formal dynamic systems framework to explain how eudaimonic well-being might mathematically transcend the boundaries of homeostatic hedonic adaptation.
Limits
The work is entirely theoretical and mathematical, lacking empirical human participant data, validation against longitudinal psychological measurements, or calibration of model parameters with real-world populations.
Cited by
- supports While hedonic happiness is subject to the hedonic treadmill where pleasure habituates, eudaimonic happiness does not exhibit a hedonic treadmill effect.