Comparison Theories

These theories assume that happiness results from comparisons between notions of how life should be and how it actually is. The greater the gap between what one wants and what one has, the less happy one is (Michalos, 1985). In this theory, “wants” differ from the above mentioned “needs.” Firstly, wants are held consciously, while one may be unconscious of what one needs. Secondly, wants are social constructs and as such likely to vary across cultures, while needs are hardwired and universal. Thirdly, wants tend to be endless, while needs can be satisfied. This latter point implies that great happiness is not possible. If we always want more than we have, we will never get any happier. It is for this reason that the pursuit of happiness has been typified as a “hedonic treadmill” (Brickman & Campbell, 1971). Variants of this theory emphasize different standard of comparison and different mechanisms that inflate aspirations. See the lemma on “contentment” in this encyclopedia.