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Loss Aversion

Loss aversion is a psychological concept suggesting that people tend to prefer avoiding losses rather than acquiring equivalent gains. In simpler terms, the pain of losing something is felt more intensely than the pleasure of gaining something of equal value. For example, losing $100 feels worse than the joy of winning $100 feels good. This bias can influence decisions in various areas, including finance, buying behavior, and risk management, often leading individuals to make conservative choices to avoid potential losses rather than pursuing opportunities that might lead to gains.

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    Loss aversion is a psychological concept that explains how people tend to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains. In simple terms, the pain of losing something is felt more intensely than the pleasure of gaining something of equal value. For example, losing $100 feels more significant than the joy of finding $100. This tendency influences decision-making, leading individuals to take fewer risks to avoid potential losses, even if it means missing out on opportunities for gain. Understanding loss aversion helps explain behaviors in finance, insurance, and everyday choices.