Functional Pleasure: Definition, History, Characteristics, and Research
Introduction
Functional pleasure is a term used to refer to a unique type of pleasure derived from engaging in activities that are beneficial to the individual in some way. This type of pleasure is often associated with activities that are seen as beneficial to the individual’s well-being, such as exercise, eating nutritious food, or engaging in leisure activities. The concept of functional pleasure has been used in various contexts, including psychology, health, and education, to describe a unique type of pleasure that is derived from engaging in activities that are beneficial to the individual in some way.
Definition
Functional pleasure is defined as a type of pleasure derived from engaging in activities that are beneficial to the individual in some way. This type of pleasure may result from a feeling of accomplishment, satisfaction, or contentment that comes from engaging in activities that are seen as beneficial to the individual’s well-being. Functional pleasure is often associated with activities that are seen as important for maintaining physical health, mental health, or overall well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, or leisure activities.
History
The concept of functional pleasure is not a new one, but it has only recently been used in a scientific context. The first mention of the concept of functional pleasure can be traced back to the work of the British psychologist William McDougall in the early 20th century. McDougall used the term to refer to a type of pleasure that an individual derives from engaging in activities that are beneficial to them. The concept of functional pleasure has since been explored in more detail by researchers in various fields, including psychology, health, and education.
Characteristics
Functional pleasure is typically characterized by a feeling of accomplishment, satisfaction, or contentment that comes from engaging in activities that are seen as beneficial to the individual’s well-being. This type of pleasure is often associated with activities that are seen as important for maintaining physical health, mental health, or overall well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, or leisure activities. The pleasure derived from functional activities is often seen as a more lasting form of pleasure than the pleasure derived from engaging in activities that are seen as more detrimental to the individual’s well-being, such as drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Research
Research on functional pleasure has focused on understanding the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying this type of pleasure. Recent research has suggested that functional pleasure is associated with the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which are all neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of pleasure and reward. Additionally, research has suggested that engaging in functional activities can lead to improved mood, increased self-efficacy, and improved physical health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, functional pleasure is a type of pleasure derived from engaging in activities that are beneficial to the individual in some way. This type of pleasure is associated with activities that are seen as important for maintaining physical health, mental health, or overall well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, or leisure activities. Research has suggested that functional pleasure is associated with the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which are all neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of pleasure and reward. Additionally, research has suggested that engaging in functional activities can lead to improved mood, increased self-efficacy, and improved physical health.
References
Cross, S. E., & Ferguson, E. (2019). The relationship between functional pleasure and physical activity motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 629.
Tsai, C.-Y., Chen, S.-C., & Lin, P.-H. (2019). The effects of functional pleasure on physical health and psychological well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychology, 7(1), 55.
Dishman, R. K., Motl, R. W., Shelton, R. L., Sallis, J. F., & Dunn, A. L. (2016). The role of functional pleasure in physical activity motivation. Health Psychology, 35(6), 517–524.
Garcia, E. C., & Gold, V. (2018). The influence of functional pleasure on academic performance. International Journal of Educational Psychology, 7(1), 1–11.