Reacting to unexpected losses in an uncertain world: High approach individuals become even more risk-seeking

Abstract

Previous research has shown that people are risk-seeking in the face of losses. We propose that this risk-seeking orientation is a palliative approach response to deal with a discrepancy between people's desires of having no losses versus the possibility of loss. An expectancy violation (which induces behavioral approach responses) would therefore strengthen people's risk-seeking in the context of losses. Two experiments (Study 1 and Study 2) which were conducted in the context of the Asian Disease Problem demonstrated that people high in trait behavioral approach (trait BA) were more risk-seeking following an expectancy violation (state BA) than in a control condition. As expected, this was only the case for decisions framed in terms of losses, but not in terms of gains (Study 1). Taken together, our findings highlight the interacting motivational influences of situation-induced state behavioral approach and trait behavioral approach in understanding risky decision-making in the face of losses.

Does Fear of the New Coronavirus Lead to Low-Carbon Behaviors: The Moderating Effect of Outcome Framing

“…The result is contradictory to statements that claim that individuals are more sensitive to losses than to gains. [72][73][74][75] However, it is consistent with the findings of a prior study, which concluded that communicating the benefits of mitigation efforts, rather than the potential negative consequences of not taking actions, can result in more positive responses from citizens. 71 Similarly, positive outcome framing can strengthen…”

“…71 In contrast, investigations also find that individuals are more sensitive to losses than to gains and highly evaluate risks when making decisions. [72][73][74][75] However, loss framing, as a moderator, is more effective in influencing individuals' waste recycling behaviors when paired with concrete mindsets, whereas gain framing is more efficacious when paired with abstract mindsets. 68 Compared with concrete personal gains or losses, the environmental pollution issue involves relatively abstract and public interests.…”