Adjustment Quote by Daniel Kahneman
““Insufficient adjustment is also a source of tension between exasperated parents and teenagers who enjoy loud music in their room. Le Boeuf and Shafir note that a “well-intentioned child who turns down exceptionally loud music to meet a parent’s demand that it be played at a ‘reasonable’ volume may fail to adjust sufficiently from a high anchor, and may feel that genuine attempts at compromise are being overlooked.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Behavioral Economics, 2020
When parents and teens clash over music volume, a compromise may feel inadequate if the teen’s perception is anchored to a higher level.
In simple terms: Compromise can feel unfair if expectations are mismatched.
Adjust expectations, not just volume.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parent‑teen negotiations
- setting household rules
- mediating disputes
- teens listening habits
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families reset expectations together?
- What strategies help both sides feel heard?
If the teen’s anchor is too high, even a “reasonable” volume may seem too loud, causing resentment.