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Winner and Loser Effects

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Previous experiences provide individuals with crucial information regarding their relative capability and serve as powerful motivators to engage in or withdraw from forthcoming contests. All things considered (e.g., body size, age, weaponry, territory ownership, etc.), winners of competitions tend to keep winning, while losers are prone to continue losing. These winner and loser effects exist across a wide taxonomic range of animals and can drastically influence the outcome of subsequent contests. The experience of victory produces distinct endocrine changes, which serve as positive feedback, increasing motivation to participate in – as well as win – future competitions. Conversely, the consequences of losing discourages future participation to possibly preserve health and/or otherwise divest from unpropitious endeavors. Although ephemeral in nature, these effects represent potent carryover phenomena that can have significant impacts on reproductive fitness.
Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior
EditorsTodd Shackelford
PublisherSpringer
Pages1-3
Number of pages3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 31 2022

Publication series

NameEncyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior

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