Human beings are often driven by aspirations and long-term goals that promise fulfillment and identity. However, when these dreams are realized, the anticipated satisfaction frequently diminishes, giving rise to disappointment or even disillusionment. This paper explores the neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, with emphasis on the role of the dopaminergic reward system, prediction error, hedonic adaptation, and pathological cycles of striving. Additionally, the paper discusses the potential for maladaptive outcomes and outlines strategies for coping with disillusionment, while considering long-term neurological and physiological implications.
Music Therapy in the Andes Mountains. // Melanie Boling, Extreme Environments Behavioural Ecologist, Peer Wild.
“Let the music set you free”.
About the author:
“Boling's research is part of her Graduate Studies at Harvard University where she examines "extreme environments" and how they can have potential negative impacts on humans operating in the extreme environment. Implementing "psychological field kits" are a way of mitigating negative variables such as abnormal human behavior and abnormal human psychology that can play a role in team degradation.”
Melanie Noelani Boling, Extreme (ICE) Environments Behavioural Ecologist, Peer Wild; and Graduate Student of Neuropsychology, Harvard University.
contact: melanie.noelani@gopeerwild.org