Affective forecasting: Challenges in predicting the intensity and durability of emotions
In this article, I discuss the poor track record people have in predicting how strong and long-lasting their emotional reactions will be to activities in which they participate. We often decide whether to participate in activities based on affective forecasting. This entails predicting the emotions we are likely to experience by engaging in activities. For example, you would be more likely to participate in an activity which you predict will lead you to experience happiness and excitement compared to an activity which you predict will lead you to experience frustration and anger. But just how accurate is this affective forecasting which guides our decisions whether to participate in activities? In the following sections, I will answer this question and discuss the implications for deciding whether to participate in activities...[more]