Abstract
Whether mood happiness levels can be chronically changed is moot. This chapter uses Subjective Well-being Homeostasis Theory to consider a rationale for such change. The theory is described and evidence for set points outlined. It is proposed that homeostatically protected mood (HPMood), produced by set points, saturates subjective well-being (SWB), making measures of SWB a reasonable proxy for HPMood. Moreover, when the perceived level of SWB differs from set point, homeostatic processes are activated to restore HPMood to set point. From this reasoning, it is concluded that whether measured SWB can be chronically changed depends on baseline levels. If SWB is initially close to set point, homeostasis will not tolerate chronic upward change. However, low SWB at baseline signals homeostatic defeat. In this case, provision of adequate resources will restore homeostatic control and a resulting rise in SWB. If, however, such resources are insufficient for this purpose, SWB will be maintained at a pathological level below its set point until resources to raise it are secured.
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