Loss Aversion

07/11/2024 17 min

Listen "Loss Aversion"

Episode Synopsis

This discussion examines the concept of "loss aversion", arguing that bad events have a greater psychological impact than good ones. The discussion reviews evidence from a wide range of psychological domains, including impression formation, close relationships, emotion, learning, child development, social support, and feedback. A strong case is presented that negative experiences influence people more powerfully and have more lasting effects than positive ones. While cultural myths may portray good as being stronger than bad, the discussion contends that this is likely due to the need for society to motivate individuals to behave in socially desirable ways. Overall, the discussion suggests that acknowledging the powerful influence of negative experiences is crucial for understanding human psychology and behaviour.The Entire Behavioural Science Reading List

More episodes of the podcast Behavioural Science Explained