Focusing individuals on potential gains as opposed to losses elicits which of the following emotional or motivational states?

• A. Anxiety
• B. Sadness
• C. Promotion-focused motivation
• D. Prevention-focused motivation

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of regulatory focus theory, which explains how individuals approach goals with either a promotion focus or a prevention focus.
2. Recognize that a promotion focus is concerned with aspirations, accomplishments, and gains, leading individuals to be motivated by potential positive outcomes.
3. Identify that a prevention focus is concerned with safety, responsibilities, and avoiding losses, leading individuals to be motivated by potential negative outcomes.
4. Relate the emotional or motivational states to these focuses: promotion focus is linked to eagerness and approach motivation, while prevention focus is linked to vigilance and avoidance motivation.
5. Conclude that focusing individuals on potential gains aligns with promotion-focused motivation, which elicits eagerness and approach-oriented emotional states rather than anxiety or sadness.