Fear of loss

Fear of loss (in psychology) – an emotional response marked by anxiety or dread about the potential loss of something valuable, such as relationships, possessions, or opportunities. This fear often leads to avoidance of risk and can impact decision-making and behavior. It is tied to loss aversion, where the pain of loss is felt more intensely than the pleasure of gain (Tversky & Kahneman, 1992).
For example, people with a heightened fear of loss may avoid investments or life changes due to the anxiety of losing wealth or status. In relationships, this fear can cause excessive dependence and stress. This fear also influences decision-making, as individuals may prioritize security over growth.
Fear of loss is closely related to attachment and self-preservation, often leading to stress, avoidance, and limited opportunities for personal development.

References:

1. Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1992). Advances in prospect theory: Cumulative representation of uncertainty. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 5(4), 297–323. Link to article

2. Sahu, P. S., Sahoo, A., & Padhy, S. K. (2020). Psychological impact of fear of loss in personal and professional life. PubMed Central. Link to article