Motivation Science, Vol 10(2), Jun 2024, 100-109; doi:10.1037/mot0000319
Does performing acts of kindness always bring long-lasting happiness? Based on self-determination theory, the current study sought to answer this question by examining whether autonomous motivation affected the rate of hedonic adaptation for helping. Study 1 examined the correlation between autonomous motivation and hedonic adaptation for donations. In this study, participants played repeated rounds of games for donations to a local charity and then rated their happiness after each win. The results found that higher autonomous motivation was associated with a slower rate of hedonic adaptation. Study 2 manipulated autonomous motivation to examine its causal effect on hedonic adaptation and further explored the possible psychological mechanisms underlying this effect. The results showed that high autonomous motivation led to a reduction in the rate of hedonic adaptation through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. These findings highlight the importance of autonomous motivation in maintaining sustainable happiness derived from engaging in prosocial behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)