Greater learning transfer effect for avoidance of loss than for achievement of gain in Finnish and Russian schoolchildren

Abstract

Classification of behavior into principal categories of approach and avoidance is grounded in evolutionary considerations and multiple results of behavioral, self-report, and brain-activity analyses. Contrasted via measures of cognitive processes, avoidance is accompanied by greater cognitive engagement than approach. Considering outcome as a key constituent of behavioral underpinnings, we interpret approach/avoidance distinction in terms of structure of experience: avoidance domain provides more detailed interaction with the environment, than approach domain. Learning outwardly similar behaviors aimed at gain or loss outcomes manifests formation of different structures that underlie further learning. Therefore, we predicted difference of learning transfer between gain and loss contexts that was revealed here by introducing two tasks for different groups of schoolchildren in Finland and Russia. The cultural specificity of gain/loss differences was also evident with employed measures, including error rate and post-error slowing. The results support that avoidance-motivated behavior is organized as a more complex organism-environment interaction, than the approach-motivated behavior.

Neural activations to loss anticipation mediates the association between difficulties in emotion regulation and screen media activities among early adolescent youth: A moderating role for depression

“…Previous studies have suggested that reward and loss constitute independent components ( Fonagy and Luyten, 2018 ). Consistent with prior research, the present study found that longer response times and poorer accuracy to loss rather than reward stimuli were observed, suggesting that loss processing may have more complex cognitive components ( Sozinov et al, 2020 ). Meanwhile, similar to another study ( Goncalves et al, 2021 ), the present study observed that emotional responses under loss rather than reward anticipation appeared to be associated with SMAs in adolescents.…”