Mathematical analysis of a dynamical model describing the hedonic dimension of happiness

Happiness has always captured the attention of societies around the world. However, it was just at the beginning of the twenty first century, with the emergence of Positive Psychology, that a more scientific approach to the subject was undertaken. Due to the dynamic and fluctuating nature of happiness, mathematical modelling is recognized as an important tool to understand the psychological processes involved in the experience of well-being.
This project aims at analyzing, both numerically and analytically, the dynamical behaviour of a mathematical model describing the hedonic (pleasure) dimension of the experience of happiness based on an approach-avoidance motivation and behaviour towards pleasant or unpleasant stimuli and the effect of a hedonic adaptation mechanism. The analysis will be carried out by simplifying the model into cases so that traditional discrete dynamical systems tools can be used to identify possible causes for steady or cyclic behaviours in an individual’s levels of happiness.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gustavo Carrero

Student:

Partner:

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Education

University:

Athabasca University

Program: