What the hell was I thinking? Understanding the precursors to real-life regret.

Abstract

The Dual-Process Theory of Regret (DPTR) proposes that the intensity of real-life regret is a function of both conscious and unconscious thought processes. Previous theories of regret consistently focus on failures of conscious reasoning as the cause of regret, neglecting the role that our unconscious system of thought (based on experience, preferences) plays in real-life daily decision making situations. 653 New Zealanders, ranging in age from 18-87 and varying in ethnic and social background, participated in a postal survey on short-term and long-term life regrets. Results indicate that unconscious thought had significant impact on short-term regret intensity, while the use of both conscious and unconscious thought influenced the intensity of long-term regrets. Furthermore, the trends in regret intensity mirror the trends predicted by the DPTR model, supporting the claim that the intensity of real-life regrets is driven by the interplay of conscious and unconscious systems of thought.