Grief for the Pursuit of Material Happiness: how is it managed?

The constant search for happiness is a fundamental part of the human experience. We all aspire to find a path that leads us to personal fulfillment and satisfaction in life. In this pursuit, we often find ourselves trapped in the belief that accumulating a large amount of money is the sure path to happiness. However, as a clinical psychologist specializing in grief, I can affirm that this relationship between money and happiness is not as simple or as direct as many might think.

The complexity of the relationship between money and happiness

To understand the complexity of the relationship between money and happiness, it is essential to analyze psychological research in this field. Studies conducted by psychologists such as Ed Diener have shown that there is a relationship between income and life satisfaction. However, this connection is not as strong as one might initially assume.

This relationship is often more evident in low-income countries, where an increase in salary can make a big difference in quality of life. In more developed nations, the relationship between money and happiness is less clear.

History also gives us an interesting perspective on this topic. Despite technological advances and increased material wealth since the 1940s, people's average happiness has not increased significantly. This suggests to us that, Once we cover our basic needs, having more money does not necessarily make us happier.

The stabilization point

A relevant study, carried out by the winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics, Danny Kahneman and Angus Deaton, highlights that Emotional well-being increases with income until reaching a plateau around $75,000 per year in the United States. Beyond that point, the increase in happiness is minimal. However, personal evaluation of life continues to rise, suggesting that we tend to believe that more money equals a happier life, even when this is not necessarily true.

This dynamic raises interesting questions about how our perception of happiness can influence our pursuit of money. We can often feel pressured by society and the media to pursue material wealth as if it were the key to a fulfilling life. However, it is essential to understand that once we have reached a certain level of income that satisfies our basic needs, the impact of money on our happiness decreases considerably.

Psychological aspects of the desire for wealth

As a clinical psychologist specializing in grief, it is also important to analyze the psychological aspects behind the desire for wealth. In today's society, the pressure to achieve financial success can be overwhelming, often leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and stress. When people feel unable to achieve their financial goals, it can trigger a grieving process related to the loss of the illusion of happiness that is associated with wealth material.

Grief is a normal emotional response to loss, and in the context of the pursuit of happiness through money, this loss can manifest itself in a variety of ways. People may feel sad, angry, or frustrated when they fail to achieve their financial goals.. They may also experience anticipatory grief, lamenting the idea that their future happiness is conditioned by the accumulation of wealth.

Recommendations to deal with it

Facing grief in the pursuit of material happiness is essential to achieving authentic and lasting well-being. Here are some recommendations that can help people in this process:

• Self-assessment and personal reflection: It is important that people take the time to reflect on their personal goals and values. Why are they seeking to accumulate wealth? What meaning does money have in your lives? Self-assessment can help identify whether the pursuit of money has become a source of stress or dissatisfaction.

• Redefine success: Changing your perspective on what success means is essential. Instead of measuring success solely in terms of money and material possessions, consider other aspects of life that are equally valuable, such as personal relationships, health, personal fulfillment and contribution to society. community.

• Find balance: The accumulation of material wealth should not become an obsession that unbalances life. It is important to find a balance between work, free time and personal relationships. Emotional well-being is strengthened when time is spent in activities that generate satisfaction and meaning.

• Practice gratitude: Cultivating gratitude is an effective strategy to counteract the constant pressure to want more. Taking time to reflect on the things you are grateful for can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.

• Psychological Support: In cases where grief over the pursuit of material happiness becomes a significant source of distress, seeking support from a clinical psychologist or counselor may be beneficial. These professionals can help you explore and manage emotions related to money and offer strategies to build a more balanced and satisfying life.

• Teach future generations: Changing the perspective on money and happiness is a process that can begin in the education of future generations. Teach children and adolescents about the importance of values, relationships and balance in life life can help reduce the pressure to seek happiness exclusively through wealth material.

Conclusions

The search for happiness is a personal journey that goes beyond the accumulation of material goods. It is a journey that involves self-knowledge, authenticity, meaningful relationships and a balance between our aspirations and our emotional needs. On this journey, it is essential to remember that money can be a means to achieve our goals, but it should not be the end goal in itself.. True wealth lies in the quality of our lives and our ability to find meaning and satisfaction in daily experiences.