Aim for neutrality, not happiness

Two studies (correlational + experimental film-induction). Valuing happiness predicted LOWER happiness under low-stress conditions, and experimentally inducing people to value happiness made them react LESS positively to a happy induction, mediated by disappointment in one's own emotional response. Directly supports the 'chasing joy backfires' half of the method — but non-clinical, not ADHD/autism.

Two cross-sectional studies. Highly valuing happiness was associated with more depressive symptoms in a remitted-MDD community sample (controlling for social desirability/neuroticism) and was elevated in remitted MDD vs. healthy controls even controlling for current symptoms. Supports the claim that chasing happiness is a risk factor — correlational, depression samples, not ADHD/autism, does not test the neutrality intervention.

Three studies (N=1,003; N=156 lab; N=222 6-month longitudinal). Habitual acceptance of one's own negative emotions/thoughts predicted better psychological well-being and fewer depressive/anxiety symptoms, mediated by lower negative reactivity to daily stressors 6 months later; benefit was specific to accepting mental experiences. Best mechanistic support for the 'accept the current state / aim for neutrality rather than fight for joy' half. Not an RCT of the method, general/community samples.

Cross-sectional (N=266, China). Acceptance moderated the effect of valuing happiness on well-being — valuing happiness helped well-being more for people LOW in acceptance. Consistent with acceptance being the active ingredient, but correlational and not in the target population.

Systematic review: rumination-focused CBT reduces rumination and depressive symptoms, sometimes more than standard CBT. Relevant to the 'losing-thoughts/rumination' target and to the 'notice one non-ruminative minute and extend it' practice — but tests a full structured therapy that directly targets rumination, NOT the 'aim for neutrality' framing, and not in ADHD/autism.