Alice just got a 20% raise. Under what conditions is this raise likely to increase her happiness long-term?
A. Alice was comfortably middle-class but can now take nice vacations each year
B. Alice comes from a wealthy family and she now is able to match the lifestyles of her siblings
C. Alice had been struggling to pay her bills but can now manage
D. Alice worked hard for the raise and her efforts have finally been recognized
The correct answer and explanation is:
The most likely condition under which Alice’s raise would increase her happiness long-term is C: Alice had been struggling to pay her bills but can now manage.
Research on happiness and income suggests that a significant improvement in financial well-being, especially in cases where someone is struggling to meet basic needs, tends to result in lasting increases in happiness. When a person is in financial distress, receiving a raise that alleviates stress—such as difficulty paying bills or managing debt—has a profound impact on overall well-being. This is because it reduces anxiety, enhances security, and allows for greater peace of mind.
On the other hand, the other options are less likely to lead to lasting happiness:
- A: Alice was comfortably middle-class but can now take nice vacations each year: While vacations and luxury experiences can bring temporary happiness, they do not tend to contribute to long-term well-being. Once the initial excitement fades, the additional income may not provide sustainable happiness, as people quickly adapt to higher standards of living, a phenomenon known as the “hedonic treadmill.”
- B: Alice comes from a wealthy family and she now is able to match the lifestyles of her siblings: Matching the lifestyle of others does not guarantee increased happiness, as it might lead to feelings of competition, comparison, or even dissatisfaction with personal achievements. External comparisons are not strong predictors of long-term happiness.
- D: Alice worked hard for the raise and her efforts have finally been recognized: While recognition and validation for hard work are important for happiness, it is the practical benefits, such as reduced financial stress, that are more directly correlated with lasting satisfaction.
In conclusion, the most likely condition for long-term happiness is when Alice’s raise helps her achieve financial stability, particularly if she was previously struggling.