Alyssa wins a lottery. According to the concept of the hedonic treadmill, what is most likely to happen to her long-term level of happiness?

• A. Her happiness will continue to increase indefinitely as a result of the win.
• B. Her happiness will remain unchanged immediately and in the long term.
• C. Her happiness will temporarily increase but eventually return to her baseline level.
• D. Her happiness will permanently decrease due to the stress of managing new wealth.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the hedonic treadmill, which suggests that people tend to return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes.
2. Recognize that when someone experiences a significant positive event, such as winning the lottery, their happiness typically increases temporarily due to the novelty and excitement of the event.
3. Acknowledge that over time, individuals adapt to the new circumstances, and the initial boost in happiness diminishes as the new situation becomes the new normal.
4. Conclude that according to the hedonic treadmill theory, Alyssa's long-term happiness will return to her baseline or set point level after the temporary increase caused by winning the lottery.
5. Therefore, the most likely outcome is that Alyssa's happiness will temporarily increase but eventually return to her baseline level, rather than increasing indefinitely or remaining unchanged.