Processing mechanism of negative discounting behavior: Explanation based on query theory

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1041.2026.1387

Abstract

Abstract:

Negative discounting behavior in intertemporal decision-making poses a challenge to traditional decision models based on the assumption of positive discounting. Based on query theory, the present study investigated the processing mechanism of negative discounting behavior through four studies. Studies 1 and 2, which employed the aspect listing method, found that individuals who preferentially and more frequently retrieve “value-increasing” information about immediate losses are more inclined to choose immediate losses. Conversely, individuals who preferentially and more frequently retrieve “value-reducing” information about immediate losses are more inclined to choose delayed losses. Study 3 manipulated the query order to examine its causal impact on negative discounting behavior. The findings suggest that the process of ascertaining the reasons for an immediate loss initially leads to an enhancement in negative discounting. Study 4 further demonstrated that as the magnitude of loss increases, individuals are more likely to choose a delayed loss, and this effect arises because more value-reducing information about immediate loss is retrieved earlier. This study offers a novel theoretical perspective on understanding negative discounting behavior and provides empirical evidence for behavioral interventions.

Key words: negative discounting behavior, query theory, intertemporal decision-making, time discounting

LIU Lei, LIU Wenxia, CHENG Yang, GE Chunlei, LIU Hongting, LI Yu. (2026). Processing mechanism of negative discounting behavior: Explanation based on query theory. Acta Psychologica Sinica, 58(7), 1387-1404.

Figures/Tables 10

References 44

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		Valence
		Positive	Negative
Focus	Immediate Loss	Cut the knot; no constant worry	Pain comes sooner; unprepared mentally
Focus	Delayed Loss	Be mentally prepared; avoid impulsive decisions	Keep thinking about it; stay anxious

		Valence
		Positive	Negative
Focus	Immediate Loss	Cut the knot; no constant worry	Pain comes sooner; unprepared mentally
Focus	Delayed Loss	Be mentally prepared; avoid impulsive decisions	Keep thinking about it; stay anxious

reason count	reason order	Losing 100 yuan		Being stung by hornet		Receiving a poor grade		Taking an exam
reason count	reason order	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F
two	1	8.71±0.97	16.36^***	8.91±1.07	12.40^***	8.81±1.06	12.37^***	9.02±1.17	11.18^***
two	2	7.27±1.20	16.36^***	7.62±1.54	12.40^***	7.61±1.52	12.37^***	7.92±1.43	11.18^***
three	1	8.89±0.85	117.31^***	9.07±0.87	54.94^***	8.81±0.84	30.73^***	9.21±0.78	42.05^***
	2	7.51±0.93		8.34±0.99		8.03±0.84		8.09±1.19
	3	6.16±1.34		6.78±1.08		6.62±1.33		7.07±1.55
four	1	8.82±0.64	44.56^***	8.66±0.92	13.30^***	8.32±1.75	7.72^**	9.11±0.93	10.1^***
	2	7.67±1.81		7.93±0.96		7.86±1.49		7.79±1.11
	3	6.46±1.60		7.79±0.81		6.81±1.40		7.42±0.71
	4	4.34±1.70		6.77±1.26		6.04±2.33		6.55±1.48

reason count	reason order	Losing 100 yuan		Being stung by hornet		Receiving a poor grade		Taking an exam
reason count	reason order	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F
two	1	8.71±0.97	16.36^***	8.91±1.07	12.40^***	8.81±1.06	12.37^***	9.02±1.17	11.18^***
two	2	7.27±1.20	16.36^***	7.62±1.54	12.40^***	7.61±1.52	12.37^***	7.92±1.43	11.18^***
three	1	8.89±0.85	117.31^***	9.07±0.87	54.94^***	8.81±0.84	30.73^***	9.21±0.78	42.05^***
	2	7.51±0.93		8.34±0.99		8.03±0.84		8.09±1.19
	3	6.16±1.34		6.78±1.08		6.62±1.33		7.07±1.55
four	1	8.82±0.64	44.56^***	8.66±0.92	13.30^***	8.32±1.75	7.72^**	9.11±0.93	10.1^***
	2	7.67±1.81		7.93±0.96		7.86±1.49		7.79±1.11
	3	6.46±1.60		7.79±0.81		6.81±1.40		7.42±0.71
	4	4.34±1.70		6.77±1.26		6.04±2.33		6.55±1.48

reason count	reason order	Losing 100 yuan		Being stung by hornet		Receiving a poor grade		Taking an exam
reason count	reason order	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F	M ± SD	t or F
two	1	8.37±1.22	11.32^***	8.65±1.09	14.44^***	8.86±0.94	18.66^***	8.88±0.90	15.85^***
two	2	7.04±1.60	11.32^***	7.55±1.40	14.44^***	7.77±1.09	18.66^***	7.82±1.08	15.85^***
three	1	8.79±0.91	98.54^***	8.90±1.00	97.41^***	9.37±0.70	95.36^***	9.26±0.88	81.98^***
	2	7.52±1.34		7.87±1.26		8.42±0.82		8.44±0.89
	3	6.42±1.75		6.84±1.15		7.02±1.21		7.56±1.11
four	1	8.49±0.93	32.30^***	9.39±0.93	15.99^***	9.10±0.57	24.62^***	8.44±1.98	7.86^**
	2	7.93±1.25		8.48±0.44		8.02±0.88		7.32±1.56
	3	6.87±1.27		7.37±0.92		7.01±1.69		6.64±1.02
	4	5.44±1.38		6.43±1.11		5.54±1.30		6.55±1.22