Change resistance moderates existence and longevity biases

Evidence has been found for existence and longevity biases-inferences of goodness from prevalence or longevity. We argue these biases actually emerge among change-resisting individuals. Our evidence suggests change-accepting individuals can even demonstrate a reversal of these biases. In two studies, change-resisting individuals' attitudes were suggestive of existence and longevity biases while change-accepting individuals significantly reversed this pattern by evaluating long-standing or prevalent objects less favorably. Finally, we reanalyzed data from the existence and longevity biases literature previously reported in Social Influence. We found Americans identifying as more Republican-thus theorized as more change-resisting-were those who favored a long-standing practice. Altogether, we argue that existence and longevity biases emerge depending on individuals' change resistance, indicating an important theoretical expansion.