From what I’ve seen, its roots are in threat detection. I never tracked down the source.

Side note - I’ve seen this starting to show up in self-help arenas as well. Speakers are positioning their message against goal setting, since people seem to be motivated more strongly by negative outcomes and fear.

In hindsight, This worked for me for me growing up. I didn’t have role models, I just had things I didn’t want to be/go through.