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Emotional adaptation is the process by which individuals adjust to new emotional circumstances following significant life events, a phenomenon similar to sensory adaptation. Initially, an event triggers an intense emotional reaction, such as a surge of pleasure from a positive event like a marriage proposal or a wave of misery from a negative one like a divorce. Over the long run, however, the emotional impact of the event tends to erode, and the individual's happiness level typically reverts to its original baseline.

Emotional Adaptation to Life Events

Based on the principles of how individuals adjust to new emotional circumstances, what is the most likely prediction for Maria's level of happiness two years after winning the lottery? Explain your reasoning.

Predicting Long-Term Happiness

Research by Lutter (2007) found that lottery winners experience a surge of happiness immediately after hitting the jackpot, illustrating the initial full-intensity emotional reaction that follows a major positive life event, before emotional adaptation causes this reaction to erode over time.

Lottery Winners' Happiness Surge (Lutter, 2007)

After more than one hundred years without a championship, the Chicago Cubs finally captured a World Series title in 2016, sparking intense joy among their devoted fanbase. This rare positive event illustrates the initial surge of intense happiness that follows a major positive life event, the same pattern seen in cases like a lottery win, before emotional adaptation causes the elation to erode over time.

Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Win as an Example of Emotional Adaptation

A year ago, Maria won a major lottery prize, which initially caused a significant spike in her happiness. According to the process by which individuals adjust to new emotional circumstances over time, which of the following best predicts Maria's current level of happiness?

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