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A long‑standing belief in happiness research is losing ground. For years, the dominant assumption was clear: income boosts daily life satisfaction only up to a threshold of 75,000 US dollars per year. Beyond that point, additional earnings were thought to have little emotional impact. This conclusion, drawn from a widely cited 2010 study, shaped public debate and academic thinking alike.
New Analysis Shows Happiness Continues to Rise
A fresh evaluation published in 2023 paints a more nuanced picture. According to the updated findings, well‑being continues to increase for most people even at significantly higher income levels — in some cases up to 500,000 dollars annually. The idea of a fixed “happiness ceiling” appears far less universal than previously assumed.
But Not Everyone Benefits Equally
For roughly 15 to 20 percent of people, the curve flattens much earlier. Their sense of well‑being shows little improvement once income reaches around 100,000 dollars per year. Researchers suggest several possible explanations:
- Psychological stress that persists despite financial security
- Chronic worries that money cannot resolve
- Rising expectations that grow in step with income
Higher earnings often lead to a more comfortable lifestyle — but over time, that comfort becomes the new baseline.
Die “hedonistische Tretmühle”
Happiness researcher Karlheinz Ruckriegel describes this dynamic as the hedonistic treadmill. As income rises, so do desires: a larger car, a nicer apartment, a more exclusive holiday. What once felt like luxury becomes routine. Social comparison adds another layer. Constantly measuring oneself against others can erode satisfaction, even when the bank balance looks healthy.
Spending on Others Boosts Well‑Being
Another factor appears crucial: how money is used. A 2013 international study by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School found that people who spend money on others — through gifts, donations or shared experiences — often report greater happiness than those who spend exclusively on themselves.
Even small amounts can make a measurable difference.
A More Complex Truth
The old saying “Money doesn’t buy happiness” is only partly accurate. Money can reduce stress, create security and open doors. But beyond a certain point, what people do with their resources matters more than the number on their paycheck.
- Hector Pascua/picture: pixabay.com
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