Unpredictable shocks harm more than predictable stronger ones

Evidence

To take an extreme example, Seligman, Maier, and Solomon (1971) report that dogs subjected to random and unpredictable shocks of a relatively low intensity suffer much more than those who are receiving higher but predictable charges. Typically, the first group of dogs becomes listless, their physical condition worsens, and their normal interests diminish when compared with the group receiving the greater but predictable punishment. — Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking Cooperative…, 522

Categorization

• XREF: Predictability preserving wellbeing parallels Hardin’s point that trust requires reliable constraint observation — randomness here is learned helplessness. — connects to: Accelerated technical systems carry structurally incalculable breakdown risks — Hartmut Rosa, Social Acceleration: A New Theory of…, 759; Frequent ‘disasters’ select for traits while rare ‘catastrophes’ mostly just decrease fitness — S. T. A. Pickett and P. S. White, eds., The Ecology of Natural Disturbance and…, 95; Arbitrary interference inflicts extra harm through uncertainty and anxiety beyond mere restriction. — Philip Pettit, Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and…, 419