The Fear Of Negative Outcomes Decreases When You Are Aware Of Potential Dangers: Study

How To Lower The Fear Of Negative Outcomes
Spread the love

Psychology News

Researchers at the University of California San Diego shed light on the psychology behind the fear of negative outcomes. The study is published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

The Study

The research team conducted seven primary and six supplementary experiments, involving more than 1,500 participants living across the U.S. In order to understand the unlikelihood effect in calculating risks and developing fears, in one of the studies, the team examined data from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform. In the other studies, participants took to communicating about the risks of health or winning a lottery.

The Findings

The results revealed that the estimated likelihood of an outcome decreases when people learn about the lower probabilities of the pathways that lead to the negative outcome. In this process, as the scenarios turn positive, the unlikelihood effect holds sway.

The researchers remarked: “When communicating about risks, it’s important to be mindful of the goals of providing such information and what behaviors it is intended to drive. This research can help policymakers refine their messaging to make sure their communications are impactful.

To Know More You May Refer To

Karmarkar, U. R., & Kupor, D. (2022). The unlikelihood effect: When knowing more creates the perception of less. Journal of experimental psychology. General, 10.1037/xge0001306. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001306


Spread the love
  • What Values You Hold Determines Your Tolerance: Research Says

    What Values You Hold Determines Your Tolerance: Research Says

    A team of researchers at the University of Bath revealed…

  • The Hidden Toll: Exploring How Do Natural Disasters Affect Mental Health?

    The Hidden Toll: Exploring How Do Natural Disasters Affect Mental Health?

    Research shows that natural disasters affect mental health in the…

  • The Silent Epidemic: Exploring the Heart Health Effects of Social Isolation

    The Silent Epidemic: Exploring the Heart Health Effects of Social Isolation

    A team of researchers revealed the negative effects of social…

  • Social Media Puts Spotlight On Emotional Landmarks In Cities

    Social Media Puts Spotlight On Emotional Landmarks In Cities

    A team of researchers revealed about emotional landmarks in cities.…

  • Do Babies Remember Faces Despite Masks?

    Do Babies Remember Faces Despite Masks?

    A team of researchers at the University of California, Davis,…

  • Talking To A Friend Reduces Stress Levels: Study Finds

    Talking To A Friend Reduces Stress Levels: Study Finds

    A team of researchers revealed that talking to a friend…

  • How Sam Smith’s New Song Exposed The Rampant Fatphobia In The LGBTQIA+ Community

    How Sam Smith’s New Song Exposed The Rampant Fatphobia In The LGBTQIA+ Community

    Research delves into the negative mental health impact of fatphobia…

  • Why Do We Prefer The Naturally Talented Over Hard Workers?

    Why Do We Prefer The Naturally Talented Over Hard Workers?

    Research provides insights into naturalness bias.

  • Did You Know Age And Sex Influence Our Body Clocks? Study Finds

    Did You Know Age And Sex Influence Our Body Clocks? Study Finds

    Research explores how our bodyclock sexually varies and changes with…

  • Extreme Earners Are Not Necessarily Extremely Smart: Study Finds

    Extreme Earners Are Not Necessarily Extremely Smart: Study Finds

    Research explores if cognitive abilities influence income groups.

  • The Media Portrayal Of Mental Health: Boon Or Bane?

    The Media Portrayal Of Mental Health: Boon Or Bane?

    Research provides insights into the incorrect media portrayals of mental…

  • Passive Online Teaching Imposes Limitations On Learning: Study Finds

    Passive Online Teaching Imposes Limitations On Learning: Study Finds

    Research delved into the disadvantages of passive online teaching.

  • Ghosting And Closure: How Big Of An Emotional Toll Can Ghosting Have?

    Ghosting And Closure: How Big Of An Emotional Toll Can Ghosting Have?

    Research explores the emotional impact of ghosting.

  • Brain Activity Creates Differences In Male And Female Handwriting: Research Finds

    Brain Activity Creates Differences In Male And Female Handwriting: Research Finds

    Studies chronicle the differences between male and female handwriting.

  • Nature And Mental Health: Did You Know Sunrise And Sunset Improves Mental Well-Being?

    Nature And Mental Health: Did You Know Sunrise And Sunset Improves Mental Well-Being?

    Research delves into the link between nature and mental health.

  • Social Support Reduces Genetic Depression Risk: Study Finds

    Social Support Reduces Genetic Depression Risk: Study Finds

    Research delves into the benefits of social support in reducing…

  • Gratitude And Mental Health: How Cultivating Thankfulness Can Boost Your Mental Health?

    Gratitude And Mental Health: How Cultivating Thankfulness Can Boost Your Mental Health?

    Research explores the mental health benefits of gratitude.

  • People Who Are In A Bad Mood Spot Fake Facts Better: Study Claims

    People Who Are In A Bad Mood Spot Fake Facts Better: Study Claims

    Research delves into the link between bad moods and better…

  • Negative Marital Communications Can Cause Poor Health In Couples: Study

    Negative Marital Communications Can Cause Poor Health In Couples: Study

    Research delves into the link between negative marital communications and…

  • Forest Therapy: Can A Good Walk In The Woods Clear Your Head?

    Forest Therapy: Can A Good Walk In The Woods Clear Your Head?

    Research delves into the benefits of forest therapy.

  • Loneliness Linked To Unhealthful Diets In College Students: Research Finds

    Loneliness Linked To Unhealthful Diets In College Students: Research Finds

    Research delves into the link between loneliness, unhealthful diets, and…

  • Antidepressants Cause Emotional Blunting: Study Finds

    Antidepressants Cause Emotional Blunting: Study Finds

    Research delves into the negative effects of antidepressants.

  • Outdoor Play Reduces The Negative Effects Of Screen Time On Children: Study Finds

    Outdoor Play Reduces The Negative Effects Of Screen Time On Children: Study Finds

    Research delves into the negative effects of screen time on…

  • Why Do Some People Have Negative Attitudes Towards Science? Research Finds

    Why Do Some People Have Negative Attitudes Towards Science? Research Finds

    Research explores what drives people’s negativity towards science.

  • Can Feeling Poorer Than Your Friends Impact Your Mental Health?

    Can Feeling Poorer Than Your Friends Impact Your Mental Health?

    Research explores how a sense of socio-economic inequality harms friendships…

  • A Novel Test To Detect Alzheimer’s Disease 3.5 Years Before Clinical Diagnosis

    A Novel Test To Detect Alzheimer’s Disease 3.5 Years Before Clinical Diagnosis

    Research provides insights into a new test formulated to detect…

  • Adult Children 4 Times More Likely To Undergo Family Estrangement: Study

    Adult Children 4 Times More Likely To Undergo Family Estrangement: Study

    Research provides insights into intergenerational relationships.