Table 1.

Reference-point Subscales (Study 2)

Gain (α = .82)	Non-Gain (α = .67)
Right now, I am focused on achieving positive outcomes.	Right now, I am concerned about missing out on positive outcomes
I typically focus on the success I hope to achieve in the future.	I frequently worry that my future will be less successful than I hope.
I frequently imagine how I will achieve my hopes and aspirations.	I frequently imagine how I might fall short of my hopes and aspirations.
When good things happen to me, it affects me strongly.	When good things fail to materialize, it affects me strongly.
I see myself as someone who is primarily striving to reach my "ideal self"—to fulfill my hopes, wishes, and aspirations.	I see myself as someone who has trouble reaching my "ideal self" (fulfilling my hopes, wishes, and aspirations).
Non-Loss (α = .68)	Loss (α = .66)
I am generally sure that I can bypass negative events in my life.	I frequently think about how I can prevent failures in my life.
I am confident that I can meet my responsibilities and obligations	I am anxious that I will fall short of my responsibilities and obligations.
Right now, I am focused on protecting myself against negative outcomes.	Right now, I am focused on avoiding negative outcomes.
I am generally good at avoiding careless mistakes.	I worry about making mistakes.
I often imagine myself successfully preventing bad things from happening to me.	I often imagine myself experiencing bad things that I fear might happen to me.