Scuba divers are often in pursuit of the next great experience—whether it’s discovering a legendary wreck, achieving perfect buoyancy control, or traveling to an exotic dive destination. Many believe that happiness is just one more dive away, that their fulfillment will finally be complete once they achieve the next milestone in their underwater journey. However, psychological research suggests that this approach to happiness is flawed.
This tendency to overestimate the long-term impact of future experiences on our happiness is known as impact bias (Gilbert, Driver-Linn, & Wilson, 2002). We assume that specific accomplishments—whether in diving or life—will bring sustained joy, only to find that the excitement fades more quickly than expected. This phenomenon is closely tied to hedonic adaptation, the tendency to return to a stable level of happiness despite positive or negative life changes (Frederick & Loewenstein, 1999).
By understanding the psychology behind happiness and fulfillment, divers can shift their mindset from chasing happiness to embracing the present.
The Science of Happiness and Hedonic Adaptation
Psychologists have long studied why people misjudge their sources of happiness. Impact bias refers to our tendency to overestimate both the intensity and duration of our emotional reactions to future events (Wilson & Gilbert, 2005). Divers often believe that their next major dive adventure will be the one that truly satisfies them—whether it’s earning a new certification or visiting a dream destination.
However, studies on hedonic adaptation show that even life-changing experiences lead to only temporary increases in happiness before people return to their baseline levels (Lyubomirsky, 2011). In the diving world, this explains why divers who once dreamed of visiting the Great Barrier Reef may find themselves planning their next big trip soon after returning. The experience, while rewarding, does not provide an everlasting state of happiness.
The Pursuit of Happiness vs. the Experience of Happiness
Many people adopt a conditional approach to happiness, believing that certain milestones must be met before they can truly enjoy life. This is a key component of what psychologists call the arrival fallacy—the mistaken belief that achieving a goal will bring lasting happiness (Ben-Shahar, 2007).
For divers, this might look like believing they will only be content once they’ve:
Dove in the Maldives or another bucket-list location
Purchased the latest dive gear
Mastered a specific skill like controlled descents or wreck penetration
Logged a specific number of dives to be considered “experienced”
Yet, happiness isn’t found in the next destination—it’s found in the dive itself. Research on mindfulness suggests that true happiness comes from fully immersing oneself in the present moment (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Divers have a unique advantage in cultivating mindfulness: underwater, distractions fade away. The rhythm of breathing, the sensation of weightlessness, and the mesmerizing movement of marine life all create an environment that fosters flow—a state of complete engagement in the moment (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
Dove in the Maldives or another bucket-list location
Purchased the latest dive gear
Mastered a specific skill like controlled descents or wreck penetration
Logged a specific number of dives to be considered “experienced”
Reframing the Dive Experience: A Mindfulness Approach
Instead of constantly seeking the next big adventure, divers can benefit from practicing appreciation of the present dive. Here are a few ways to incorporate psychological well-being into scuba diving:
Savor the Small Moments – Research shows that happiness is often found in the accumulation of small, meaningful experiences rather than major life events (Diener et al., 2009). The simple act of taking a deep breath underwater, watching a fish glide past, or sharing a laugh with a dive buddy contributes more to well-being than chasing an abstract goal.
Practice Gratitude – Studies have shown that actively reflecting on what we appreciate increases overall happiness and life satisfaction (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Divers can keep a dive journal where they note three things they loved about each dive, shifting their focus from what’s next to what was meaningful today.
Focus on Intrinsic Rewards – Research distinguishes between extrinsic and intrinsic goals (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Extrinsic rewards—such as certification levels or dive travel prestige—can be fulfilling but do not sustain long-term happiness. Intrinsic rewards, such as the love of exploration, curiosity, and connection with nature, provide deeper and more lasting satisfaction.
Engage in Flow – The concept of flow, introduced by Csikszentmihalyi (1990), refers to a state of complete immersion in an activity. Many divers experience this when they become fully engaged in their environment, losing track of time and feeling at one with the water. By focusing on the dive itself—rather than future dives—divers can maximize their enjoyment and fulfillment.
Savor the Small Moments – Research shows that happiness is often found in the accumulation of small, meaningful experiences rather than major life events (Diener et al., 2009). The simple act of taking a deep breath underwater, watching a fish glide past, or sharing a laugh with a dive buddy contributes more to well-being than chasing an abstract goal.
Practice Gratitude – Studies have shown that actively reflecting on what we appreciate increases overall happiness and life satisfaction (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Divers can keep a dive journal where they note three things they loved about each dive, shifting their focus from what’s next to what was meaningful today.
Focus on Intrinsic Rewards – Research distinguishes between extrinsic and intrinsic goals (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Extrinsic rewards—such as certification levels or dive travel prestige—can be fulfilling but do not sustain long-term happiness. Intrinsic rewards, such as the love of exploration, curiosity, and connection with nature, provide deeper and more lasting satisfaction.
Engage in Flow – The concept of flow, introduced by Csikszentmihalyi (1990), refers to a state of complete immersion in an activity. Many divers experience this when they become fully engaged in their environment, losing track of time and feeling at one with the water. By focusing on the dive itself—rather than future dives—divers can maximize their enjoyment and fulfillment.