Loss aversion makes displeasure from losing exceed pleasure from winning equally

Evidence

A significant feature of the value function is that losses loom larger than gains. For example, the displeasure associated with losing a sum of money is generally greater than the pleasure associated with winning the same amount. This property, called loss aversion, is depicted in Figure 1 by the steeper slope for outcomes below the reference point than for those above. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2445

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines loss aversion, the core asymmetry of prospect theory’s value function
• XREF: connects to: Manufactured desires create ever-deepening dissatisfaction even when satisfied — Yanis Varoufakis, Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism, 210; Over-reward produces guilt while under-reward produces anger — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 430