Abstract
Three experiments were conducted investigating feelings of regret following poor decisions involving behaviors that were either
typical for the decision-maker or atypical. Using a retrospection paradigm, the present research found that typical behaviors
were more regrettable when decisions were in the context of goals to change whereas atypical behaviors were more regrettable
in the context of maintenance goals. We ruled out explanations of these effects based on the temporal distance of the decision,
behavioral typicality per se, the severity of the decision-outcomes and the ease of recalling the events. Results were discussed
from a consistency-fit analysis of regret and decision-making.
typical for the decision-maker or atypical. Using a retrospection paradigm, the present research found that typical behaviors
were more regrettable when decisions were in the context of goals to change whereas atypical behaviors were more regrettable
in the context of maintenance goals. We ruled out explanations of these effects based on the temporal distance of the decision,
behavioral typicality per se, the severity of the decision-outcomes and the ease of recalling the events. Results were discussed
from a consistency-fit analysis of regret and decision-making.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s11031-012-9283-8
- Authors
- Catherine E. Seta, Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
- John J. Seta, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina – Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
- Journal Motivation and Emotion
- Online ISSN 1573-6644
- Print ISSN 0146-7239