Gain-loss Asymmetry of Intertemporal Choices: From effects to psychological process
JIANG Cheng-ming1 WANG Lei1 MA Jia-tao1 CHEN Li-na1 HE Quan2
(1. School of Management,Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China; 2.College of Public Administration, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China)
Abstract:Gain-loss asymmetry is a robust phenomenon in intertemporal choice, that is, compared with intertemporal choice with gains, decision-makers show a smaller, even a negative discount rate in those with losses. Previous studies on gain-loss asymmetry usually only showed this phenomenon and discussed possible reasons; however, recent research began to examine the psychological mechanisms behind it. This paper summarizes the progress in the study of the psychological mechanism of gain-loss asymmetry from the following three aspects: asymmetry utility of gains and losses, asymmetry perceptions of delay duration and asymmetry of discounting functions. Finally, this paper proposes that future research needs to be strengthened in terms of possible distinct processing strategies for gains and losses outcomes, comparing of gain and loss sequences, and using processing research methods to study intertemporal choice.
江程铭,王蕾,马家涛,陈李娜,何铨. 跨期选择损益不对称:从现象到心理机制[J]. 应用心理学, 2021, 27(1): 66-74.
JIANG Cheng-ming, WANG Lei, MA Jia-tao, CHEN Li-na, HE Quan. Gain-loss Asymmetry of Intertemporal Choices: From effects to psychological process. 应用心理学, 2021, 27(1): 66-74.