Rannilt was euphoric after learning that she had been accepted by the medical school of her choice.After a few weeks,however,she is only mildly happy when she thinks about her admission to medical school.This change in her feelings can best be explained in terms of
A) the catharsis hypothesis.
B) relative deprivation.
C) the feel-good,do-good phenomenon.
D) the adaptation-level phenomenon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The adaptation-level phenomenon refers to the tendency for individuals to adapt to a new situation, such that their feelings and perceptions eventually return to a baseline level. In Rannilt's case, she may have initially experienced a high level of happiness upon learning of her acceptance to medical school, but over time, she has adjusted to the idea and her feelings have returned to a more neutral level.

Rannilt Was Euphoric After Learning That She Had Been Accepted