Humans catastrophise the future but adapt faster than they predict

Psychologist Daniel Gilbert calls it 'impact bias': we consistently overestimate how long negative events — job loss, break-ups, serious illness — will affect our happiness. In one study, junior professors predicted they'd be devastated if denied tenure; follow-up showed their happiness levels were essentially the same as those who were granted it. The brain has a 'psychological immune system' — rationalisation, reframing, and social comparison mechanisms — that kick in automatically after setbacks. We are far more resilient than we believe we will be.

Source: Gilbert, D.T. et al., 'Immune Neglect', Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (1998)