On the causes and consequences of hedonic adaptation

We provide a simple evolutionary explanation for the emergence of hedonic adaptation. The model’s key assumption is that, apart from guiding long-term behavior, some sensations fulfill warning and defense roles (e.g., pain). Contrary to the alternative evolutionary explanations for hedonic adaptation (Robson, 2002 and Rayo and Becker, 2007), our theory can explain why some sensations are adaptive, while others (with warning/defense roles) are not adaptive at all. Finally, we show that differential adaptation has important welfare and policy implications.

► We note that some sensations play warning/defense roles. ► They can explain the evolutionary emergence of hedonic adaptation. ► Furthermore, they can explain why some sensations adapt while others do not. ► This outcome, differential adaptation, has important welfare/policy implications.