One’s Loss Is Another’s Gain? Perceived Inequality Amplifies Zero-Sum Beliefs Through Relative Deprivation

Zero-sum beliefs—the conviction that one party’s gains inherently imply another’s losses—enhance societal polarization and impede cooperation. While prior work links perceived economic inequality to zero-sum beliefs, the underlying psychological drivers remain inadequately explored. This study posits that perceptions of inequality amplify zero-sum beliefs by triggering feelings of relative deprivation. Across five studies, we tested this effect in economic, workplace, and academic domains. In Study 1 (N = 132), survey data established a positive link between perceived economic inequality and zero-sum beliefs. Building on this, Studies 2–4 (N = 163, 218, and 178, respectively) experimentally manipulated inequality in controlled scenarios across economic, workplace, and academic domains. Results showed that perceived inequality consistently increased domain-specific zero-sum beliefs in economic and workplace settings, an effect mediated by relative deprivation. In the academic domain, the effect was less robust. To further test causality and societal impact, Study 5 (N = 210) found that perceived inequality amplified economic zero-sum beliefs through heightened relative deprivation and perceived competition. In addition, these domain-specific zero-sum beliefs were associated with general zero-sum beliefs, which in turn predicted lower interpersonal trust. Collectively, this research clarifies how perceptions of inequality amplify zero-sum beliefs primarily through the experience of relative deprivation. Furthermore, it demonstrates that these activated zero-sum beliefs were associated with broader zero-sum worldviews, which ultimately undermine interpersonal trust. These findings advance the theoretical understanding of zero-sum beliefs. Consequently, they offer policymakers valuable insights, emphasizing the need for evidence-based interventions to reduce zero-sum beliefs and strengthen societal trust.