Dear all, I wonder where the notion comes from that individuals stop striving to improve (whatever), when they are satisfied. Or other way round: where comes the idea from that some degree of dissatisfaction is a good or even necessary impetus for activity or effort. On which theory is this view of man and human activity based? I am looking forward to your suggestions on where I could find the theoretical background of the idea of an inverse relation between happiness and effort.
Many thanks in advance. Susanne
Hello Susanne,
What an interesting question. I know just what you mean and anticipate that RG members will respond with some interesting information.
There was a similar concept discussed a couple of years ago:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_difference_between_Satisfaction_and_Complacency
I like the response 'Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory. - Mahatma Gandhi' added by Sudeep C B who posed the question.
This paper was written by RG members:
Zhou, J., & George, J. M. (2001). When job dissatisfaction leads to creativity: Encouraging the expression of voice. Academy of Management journal, 44(4), 682-696.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270820432
This is the full text:
http://islam-zwart.net/~COMPS%20FOLDER/~Research/Silence/Zhou&George,%202001.pdf
This newspaper article: Don't try to be happy. We're programmed to be dissatisfied - Frank T McAndrew
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/17/psychology-happiness-contentment-humans-aspire-goals-accomplish-evolution
also touches on a similar idea.
I don't think this is quite what you were hoping for, but it will be interesting to read future responses.
Very best wishes,
Mary
Attached in my profile, you would find out the mathematical proof between work-stregth (effort) and cortisol depletion (as an increasing oxytocin path) that might be connected to your question. I'd named this relationship as dynamic work flow. I hope that would be useful to you
Kind regards
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