The psychology behind moving house in order to make yourself happier debunked

[grahamg]

Some people thinking moving home, maybe to a new city or to the country may improve their lives, but this research shows the matter isn't so straight forward.

https://qz.com/769776/psychology-debunks-the-idea-that-wed-be-happier-if-we-lived-somewhere-else/

Quote:
"There’s no doubt that staying put is completely unsexy. And yet it takes time for place attachment — the feeling of being at home and emotionally bonded with the place where we live—to develop. We short-circuit all that when we uproot ourselves in search of a better life.

I can tell you this because I’ve fallen for the myth of the geographic cure multiple times myself. We’re on our fifth state now, and each time I’ve been filled with so much hope about the new city—thrilled to imagine how everything will be different now.

Hope is good. But action is better. So the next time you travel to a tempting new destination, think about what it is that appeals to you so much about the place, and channel your wanderlust into efforts to find the same qualities within your hometown."

 

[helenbacque]

Depends on your attitude toward life. To me, moving is a new adventure. it was exciting to have new people to meet and new places to explore.

 

[bowmore]

Depends on your attitude toward life. To me, moving is a new adventure. it was exciting to have new people to meet and new places to explore.

I agree! I moved from LA county and the concrete canyons of the San Fernando Valley up to bucolic Ventura County. It is so green here, and much cooler. The ground is extremely fertile here as opposed the adobe in the Valley.

 

[Gaer]

When i was a little girl,i used to follow my Dad around. He would always go up and greet strangers.
This man and his family were moving into town, and he told my Dad, " I sure hope I will like it here! Is it a good town?"

My Dad LOVED our town, so i was surprised at his comments. He asked, "Did you like where you moved from?"
"Oh NO! it was horrible! The people were AWFUL! I hated it! This looks like a good place though. Do you think I'll like it here?"
My Dad said, "Nope, I don't think you will."

 

[Murrmurr]

It worked for me every time. Life got better with every move; better jobs, better homes, better neighborhoods and schools.

 

[Pepper]

I lived in many different locations. Loved it! Ditto murr

 

[Nathan]

We're staying here, have no desire to relocate.

 

[SetWave]

Obviously it depends on the circumstances of the move. Most important is knowing we cannot run from our problems.

 

[katlupe]

I have moved a number of times in my life. I liked discovering new places and meeting new people. But I would not want to move ever again. I don't even enjoy traveling.

 

[Keesha]

People do what works for them including moving. The topic is too generalized. People moving to make themselves happy debunked?
General psychology states that people make choices based on their personal happiness or that of their family. Why wouldn’t moving be included? Running away from problems is a completely different topic and I agree that it’s not recommended.

 

[grahamg]

 

[Chet]

It's a hit and miss game. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. If it is, consider yourself fortunate.