A User's Guide to Our Emotional Thermostat (with Adam Mastroianni)
Apr 1, 2024
auto_awesome
Psychologist Adam Mastroianni discusses emotional control systems and the balance of happiness, questioning if too much happiness is detrimental. They explore the consistency of happiness levels despite external circumstances and the complexity of human well-being. The podcast delves into the paradox of regret, personal growth over time, and the importance of self-acceptance for emotional well-being.
Our emotional control systems aim to maintain a steady baseline of happiness and sadness, emphasizing the importance of balance in well-being.
Reported happiness levels across nations remain consistent over time, suggesting a universal tendency towards emotional stability.
The brain functions as a regulatory system, automatically adjusting mood to prevent excessive happiness levels, highlighting the concept of emotional equilibrium.
Deep dives
Happiness Surveys in America Remain Stable Over Time
Despite significant events like recessions, wars, and improvements in living conditions, happiness surveys in America have shown a relatively flat trend since 1948. Even with advancements in modern amenities such as air conditioning and indoor plumbing, people's reported happiness levels remain consistent year after year.
International Happiness Data Shows Similar Patterns
International surveys on happiness reveal consistent trends across different countries over time. While some nations report higher levels of happiness compared to others, within each country, people tend to provide similar happiness ratings year after year. Exceptions exist in regions facing extreme crises, where happiness levels notably decline.
Impact of Development on Happiness
Countries transitioning from poverty to moderate wealth experience an increase in reported happiness levels. However, beyond these significant changes, international data suggests that overall happiness remains relatively stable. This indicates that as long as situations do not drastically worsen, people tend to maintain a consistent level of happiness.
Psychological Mechanisms Regulating Happiness
The brain operates as a control system, balancing mood fluctuations akin to a furnace and air conditioner. While mechanisms exist to elevate mood during sadness, there are also automatic processes designed to temper excessive happiness. These regulatory functions help individuals maintain a stable level of well-being despite varying external circumstances.
Reflections on Regret and Self-Perception Over Time
The concept of regret is explored as a desire for a better past, despite its inability to alter previous actions. As individuals age and accumulate experiences, self-awareness evolves, leading to a sense of personal growth. While introspection may reveal mistakes, the journey towards wisdom and self-acceptance remains a constant pursuit within the human experience.
Can you be too happy? Psychologist Adam Mastroianni talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about our emotional control systems, which seem to work at bringing both sadness and happiness back to a steady baseline. Too much happiness is--perhaps surprisingly--not necessarily a good thing. They also explore whether our general level of happiness is really related to events in our lives or connected to something much larger than ourselves.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode