I have to say that I think the Wikipedia definition is spot on. I would like to add that the list of things to do that you supplied should serve as a pick-me-up, that is … if you don't have any underlying mental or physical health problems. I know of people who say they don't experience feelings of pleasure. The problem may NOT be linked to them being dissatisfied or bored with themselves. It could be an indication of something much more serious.
FOR CONTRAST AND COMPARISON:
Biblical definition:
In the Bible, pleasure is
not inherently evil but is understood in relation to God’s will and
purpose.
True and lasting pleasure comes from delighting in God, His presence, and His ways. Psalm 16:11 says, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” pointing to a spiritual, enduring joy rooted in a relationship with God. Similarly, Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 reflects on earthly pleasures and concludes they are ultimately “meaningless” apart from God.
The Bible also warns against sinful pleasures that draw people away from righteousness (see Hebrews 11:25; 2 Timothy 3:4). Therefore, a biblical definition of pleasure is the experience of joy or satisfaction that is either fleeting and self-centered when pursued apart from God, or deeply fulfilling and eternal when found in alignment with His will.
Secular definition:
In secular thought,
pleasure is typically defined as a positive sensation or feeling of
enjoyment, satisfaction, or happiness. Philosophers like Epicurus
described pleasure as the absence of pain and disturbance,
emphasizing mental tranquility over indulgence (Letter toMenoeceus).
Modern psychology defines pleasure as a component of reward processing in the brain, often linked to dopamine activity (Berridge & Kringelbach, 2015, Neuron).
The AmericanPsychological Association (APA) describes pleasure as a hedonic experience associated with positive emotions and reinforcement of behavior. In this view, pleasure is neither moral nor immoral in itself; it is a natural, biological, and psychological response that motivates behavior, ranging from basic sensory enjoyment to complex emotional fulfillment.
ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR RESEARCH:
“Anhedonia is a word that describes a reduced interest in activities an individual used to enjoy, as well as a decreased ability to feel pleasure. It’s a core symptom of major depressive disorder, but it can also be a symptom of other mental health disorders.”
“Anhedonia is a common symptom of depression and one of the so-called “negative symptoms” of schizophrenia (as opposed to “positive” ones such as delusions), but it is not present in all patients with these illnesses. It also afflicts some people with bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as an unknown number of individuals with no other diagnosed brain disorder.”
Researchers are developing new treatments for a depression symptom called anhedonia.
* “The pleasure principle is a term originally used by Sigmund Freud to characterize the tendency of people to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Freud argued that people will sometimes go to great lengths to avoid even momentary pain, particularly at times of psychological weakness or vulnerability.”
* “Modern psychologists typically do not follow traditional Freudian theory, but they often use the pleasure principle and related concepts in therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help people eliminate self-defeating thoughts to maximize pleasure and minimize the suffering that occurs with emotional and physical pain.”
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