Research suggests that bad outcomes feel worse when they are unexpected,but that good outcomes feel better when they are unexpected.

Question

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This phenomenon is known as the "asymmetry effect" and has been widely studied in psychology. Studies have found that unexpected negative events (such as receiving a failing grade on an exam) tend to be perceived as more negative and have a stronger emotional impact than expected negative events (such as receiving a passing grade but not an A). On the other hand, unexpected positive events (such as receiving a surprise gift) tend to be perceived as more positive and have a stronger emotional impact than expected positive events (such as receiving a gift on your birthday).

Research Suggests That Bad Outcomes Feel Worse When They Are