4 ms·
I've only read the abstract, but here is my guess. There is a phenomenon where some people vividly fantasize about the "great results" of some yet-to-be-taken a
by mariodiana 11y ago
I've only read the abstract, but here is my guess. There is a phenomenon where some people vividly fantasize about the "great results" of some yet-to-be-taken action or set of actions. The fantasizing itself brings them satisfaction. This satisfaction, then, in a sense undermines the sense of dissatisfaction that is necessary to motivation. Thus, the person never puts his plans into action. I would think that the resulting failure to achieve then triggers depression.
In plainer terms, for some people daydreaming is its own reward, but it's a short-term reward that undermines the effort needed to achieve reward in the long-term. When the dream fades and you're still where you are, that's depressing.
- lawpoop 11y agoI was thinking that having positive fantasies about the future could be an escape mechanism from present unpleasant feelings.
- dmichulke 11y agoIt could also be high expectations: Woman: I'm going to marry a rich guy that I love and have three children and live happily ever after Man: I'm going to change the world with my non-profit start-up and be a rockstar programmer. Later, I'll sell it for billions and spend time with family. Reality: Man and woman have a relationship that ends after 5 years, no children, and both have a standard peon job in a big company without any influence or reponsibility.
- ashark 11y agoRichard Yates' Revolutionary Road is an excellent exploration of a couple with aspirations that don't match reality and/or their willingness to work to achieve what they want. Great narrative voice that manages to be detached and matter-of-fact while being heart-wrenching sympathetic. Must be read to be believed, very impressive.
- skaplun 11y agoHigh expectations for a woman is to get married? Not sure you realized what you wrote
- kl4m 11y agoI think it's more about the high level of happiness, not the specific situation.
- skaplun 11y agoPerson Creates model, the go to is marriage for a woman. I'm sure he meant nothing bad, still unfortunate.
- Jtsummers 11y agoDon't read it as "a" woman, but as "the" woman (in this three line story). Not every man has the same goals/motivation as the man in the story either. I know I'm not money-motivated.
- coldtea 11y agoWell, statistically, and historically, that has been the case. Whether it shouldn't be or not, is another matter, but men don't buy Wedding magazines or care to watch rom-coms ending with marriages as much.
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- dikdik 11y agoI agree here, expectations drive a huge amount of emotion. Take two people who receive a 5k bonus, if one expected twice as much they will be pissed off and ungrateful. If one expected nothing, they would probably be very happy. This is why it is so important for companies and hiring managers to set appropriate expectations for their employees. Please do not tell people that they can expect career growth, regular challenges, and tons of opportunity if that is not the case. People will absolutely take decent jobs with no opportunities or career growth, but you have to be honest about that. If you lie and the employee realizes it a year later, they will probably start underperforming and/or looking to leave. Appropriate expectations are paramount!
- nairboon 11y agoThis is actually very in line with what they are hypothesizing. Apparently a problem with positive fantasies is that they present an easy path to an idealized future situation. The path is missing any obstacles and possible hardships. And this somehow leads to an insufficient energy mobilization for pursuing that path. [makes sense from an planning/resource allocation perspective] As a "result" you don't put enough effort into tackling the encountering problems, once you reenter reality. The depressing effect comes later, when you face your low-achievement.
- m-i-l 11y agoI read many years ago that one of the keys to long term happiness is supposed to be having "achievable goals". By using the word "fantasy" I would assume the article/abstract means unachievable or unrealistic goals, in which case I can imagine that these would be more likely to lead to unhappiness in the long term.
- seiji 11y agoI would think that the resulting failure to achieve then triggers depression. ~1500 years ago: desire is the root cause of suffering.
- vcool07 11y agoThat's a very good summary of the issue. Thanks !