Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
06:50
Systematic Assessment of Well-Being in Mice for Procedures Using General Anesthesia
Published on: March 20, 2018
11.7K
The relationship between life regrets and well-being: a systematic review
Jocelyn A Rutledge1, Jadyn D Williams1, Meaghan A Barlow1
1Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Frontiers in Psychology
|January 3, 2025
Summary
Experiencing life regret negatively impacts well-being, including life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Protective factors like coping mechanisms may mediate this relationship, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Well-being Research
Background:
- Life regret is a common human experience.
- Understanding its impact on psychological health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the association between life regret and overall well-being.
- To identify potential mediating factors in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across four databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest, ERIC).
- Inclusion of 31 relevant articles published between 1989 and 2018.
- Analysis of study findings on life regret and well-being indicators.
Main Results:
- Greater life regret is linked to diminished life satisfaction and increased depressive symptoms.
- The relationship between regret and well-being varies with individual differences, but age and gender findings are inconsistent.
- Protective factors such as engagement/disengagement, social comparison, and appraisal may mediate the regret-well-being link.
Conclusions:
- Life regret has demonstrable negative effects on well-being, though the precise impact is modulated by individual factors.
- Inconsistencies in measurement and limited sample diversity necessitate further research.
- Standardized measures and diverse populations are required to clarify mediators and strengthen findings on protective factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
6.2K
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
6.2K
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
18.2K
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
18.2K
01:22Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
29
Subjective well-being (SWB) refers to an individual's self-evaluation of their overall life satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment. This multifaceted construct is typically assessed by analyzing the balance of positive and negative emotions alongside perceptions of life satisfaction. Personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion are strongly associated with variations in SWB, offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of emotional well-being.
Neuroticism and...
Neuroticism and...
29
01:27Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
17
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict that significantly influences personal growth and well-being. Three key stages — intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and integrity versus despair — highlight the developmental challenges faced in adulthood.
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
17
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
17
Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
17
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
15
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
15