The Psychology of Gift Giving
Anne Arundel Community College professor Matt Patton explains why we feel the way we do about presents.
Exchanging gifts is a major part of celebrating the holiday season, but it can also be the source of major stress. Annapolis Patch spoke with Matt Patton, an Annapolis resident and psychology professor at Anne Arundel Community College, about the social science behind gift giving. It's the thought that counts An expensive gadget like an iPad or new cellphone may make a person jump for joy on Christmas morning, but Patton said that high wears off quick. Everyone has an emotional baseline or "set point." While we can feel happier or sadder in the short-term, Patton said most people return to their baseline within a few weeks. "In that sense, we are very resilient," Patton said. "Things that move that set point are having a socially connected…
