This Psychologist's Impressive Presentation Shows How Materialism Is Eroding Our Happiness {IMAGES}

[xchrom]

http://www.businessinsider.com/materialism-eroding-happiness-2014-8?op=1

The answer to, "Can money buy happiness?" isn't simply "yes" or "no."

It's, "depends how you spend it."

***SNIP

While we regard an increase in consumer spending as a good thing for the economy, it's not such great news for the environment, or for our individual levels of satisfaction.



All of that spending isn't making us happy. Why not? The field of Positive Psychology has been investigating this very question.



The term "hedonic treadmill" describes the human tendency to get used to what we have, no matter how nice it is, and strive for more. Getting more, then, doesn't sustain our happiness levels.

[SamKnause]

1. Poverty is eroding my happiness.

The constant stress of worrying about being homeless.

The constant stress of worrying about what would happen to my dog, cat, and two rabbits.

The embarrassment of seeing my teeth rot and fall out of my mouth.

Not being able to afford to have an eye exam.

The sadness of watching my home deteriorate.

The constant stress of the rising cost of property insurance.

Not being able to replace my tractor and watching my property becoming an overgrown jungle.

The constant cuts in food stamps and trying to live on $99.00 per month food budget.

The constant dread that is always with me, losing my sanctuary !!!

I suffer from Agoraphobia.

Can money buy happiness ?

My answer would be yes.

It would buy me peace of mind.

I would never fear homelessness or hunger if I didn't live in extreme poverty.

[KittyWampus]

2. Did you investigate Obamacare? My state allowed me to get Medicaid and I got my teeth attended to

and an eye exam/new glasses. Still hard to believe I qualified.

My heart goes out to you.

[xchrom]

3. ive always assumed peace of mind is not the same as happiness as related to materialism

the poor need to live and in order to live that requires money.