The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Maximizing Mindset and its Underlying Mechanisms

doi:10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250113

Abstract

Abstract: The maximizing mindset is a prevalent decision-making strategy characterized by the pursuit of the best choices through investing greater resources and diligence in the decision-making process. It is not only a personality trait, but can also be temporarily induced by situational factors and then change individual behaviors. Some research has highlighted the positive impact of the maximizing mindset, such as achieving better outcomes among the substitutes and producing a greater sense of well-being. However, other studies discourage individuals from adopting the maximizing mindset for decision making, revealing negative effects such as decreased satisfaction and increased propensity for immoral behavior. To address this gap, this paper develops a systematic framework to explain its double-edged sword effect.
The current research on the double-edged sword effect of the maximizing mindset mainly focuses on three topics: moral behavior, future-oriented behavior, and individual well-being. First, the paper examines the impact of the maximizing mindset on moral behavior, drawing on social comparison theory and self-regulation theory. The maximizing mindset leads individuals to engage in downward social comparisons. When faced with someone in need, such comparisons can trigger emotional responses (e.g., sympathy) and cognitive changes (e.g., self-efficacy) that increase individuals' willingness to donate. Conversely, when faced with service failures, these comparisons incline individuals to share positive word-of-mouth regarding unsatisfactory purchases to maintain their relative position. The goal of achieving the best choice, as a central feature of the maximizing mindset, evokes feelings of scarcity, prompting individuals to engage in immoral behaviors (e.g., cheating others). It is worth noting that the individual’s behavioral motivation (altruism vs. egoism) plays a moderating role in the double-edged sword effect of the maximizing mindset on moral behavior.
Second, the paper examines the dual effects of the maximizing mindset on future-oriented behavior through the lens of construal level theory and cognitive resource theory. On the one hand, individuals with the maximizing mindset are more likely to consider the future consequences of their current actions, leading to more future-oriented behavior (e.g., saving resources in advance). On the other hand, the maximizing mindset reduces individuals’ multitasking ability, leads them to ignore past experiences, and makes them inclined to allocate substantial cognitive resources to the task at hand, which causes them to overestimate available future time resources and exhibit a weak ability to anticipate future needs.
Lastly, the paper explores the impact of the maximizing mindset on individual well-being, drawing on social comparison theory. Individuals with the maximizing mindset achieve better outcomes than others and derive meaning from the process of goal attainment, which enhances satisfaction and psychological well-being. Meanwhile, they experience greater decision-making pressure, leading to negative emotions such as regret, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. Furthermore, choice focus (process vs. outcome), outcome valence, and cultural background (Western vs. non-Western) can moderate the negative impact of the maximizing mindset on individual well-being.
Overall, as a decision-making instrument, the maximizing mindset facilitates superior choices for individuals, but it can also concurrently lead to psychological strain and adverse outcomes. The double-edged sword effect of the maximizing mindset can be explained by four important theories: social comparison theory, self-regulation theory, construal level theory, and cognitive resource theory. While social comparison theory and self-regulation theory link the regulation of individuals’ emotions and behaviors, construal level theory and cognitive resource theory account for the focus and allocation of resources during the decision-making process. Together, these theories complement each other to form a comprehensive explanatory framework for the double-edged sword effect of the maximizing mindset. Through the discovery of emerging social phenomena such as minimalism consumption and human-AI interaction, future research could further explore important moderating factors that affect the double-edged sword effect of the maximizing mindset and consider new directions for improving individual well-being.

Key words: the maximizing mindset, moral behavior, future-oriented behavior, individual well-being, “double-edged sword” effect

摘要： 最优化思维是指一种追求最佳选择并愿意为之付出更多努力的决策风格。它既可以是个体的稳定特质,也可以由情境因素临时唤起。最优化思维的个体倾向于追求最佳选择,但同时也表现出更强烈的比较倾向,这使其在道德行为、未来导向行为和幸福感上存在“双刃剑效应”。具体来说,最优化思维既提升了个体的捐赠意愿,也会导致利己的不道德行为;既增加了对未来结果的关注,也削弱了未来展望能力;既提升了生活满足感,也会导致后悔等不利于幸福感的消极情绪。社会比较理论、自我调节理论、解释水平理论和认知资源理论是解释最优化思维双刃剑效应的主要理论基础。未来研究可以继续探究影响最优化思维双刃剑效应的新现象,思考提升个人福祉的新方向。

关键词: 最优化思维, 道德行为, 未来导向行为, 个体幸福感, 双刃剑效应

Ran Yaxuan, Guo Yilin, Zhang Puyue, Zhang Yunhan. The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Maximizing Mindset and its Underlying Mechanisms[J]. Journal of Psychological Science, 2025, 48(1): 129-139.

冉雅璇, 郭怡麟, 张谱月, 张蕴涵. 最优化思维的双刃剑效应及内在机理^*[J]. 心理科学, 2025, 48(1): 129-139.

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