Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans
Published on: March 19, 2014
Is happiness having what you want, wanting what you have, or both?
Jeff T Larsen1, Amie R McKibban
1Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-2051, USA. jeff.larsen@ttu.edu
Abstract:
Rabbi Hyman Schachtel (1954) proposed that "happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have" (p. 37). In two studies, we tested Schachtel's maxim by asking participants whether or not they had and the extent to which they wanted each of 52 material items. To quantify how much people wanted what they had, we identified what they had and the extent to which they wanted those things. To quantify how much people had what they wanted, we identified how much they wanted and whether or not they had each item. Both variables accounted for unique variance in happiness. Moreover, the extent to which people wanted what they had partially mediated effects of gratitude and maximization on happiness, and the extent to which they had what they wanted partially mediated the effect of maximization. Results indicate that happiness is both wanting what you have and having what you want.
Related Concept Videos
Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable options,...
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and Emotional...
Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
Decision Making
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
Self-Discrepancy Theory
