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The experience of regret: what, when, and why
1Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Psychological Review
|April 1, 1995
Summary
People regret actions more soon after they happen, but regret inaction more over time. This temporal pattern in regret is influenced by psychological processes and how we think about regret.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Regret is a common human emotion with significant psychological impact.
- Understanding the temporal dynamics of regret is crucial for psychological well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the temporal patterns of regret.
- To present a framework for understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying these patterns.
- To explore the functional and cultural origins of regret perception.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of empirical evidence on regret.
- Analysis of psychological processes influencing regret over time.
- Examination of cognitive availability and its role in regret.
Main Results:
- Actions (errors of commission) generate more short-term regret.
- Inactions (errors of omission) generate more long-term regret.
- Psychological processes mitigate action regret over time and intensify inaction regret.
Conclusions:
- A temporal shift exists in the experience of regret, with inactions becoming more regretful over the long term.
- This pattern is shaped by psychological adaptations and cognitive biases.
- Understanding these temporal dynamics offers insights into decision-making and emotional regulation.