What the hell was I thinking?
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1. The document presents a new dual-process theory of regret (DPTR) that distinguishes between implicit and explicit decision-making processes and their influence on regret intensity. 2. According to the DPTR, implicit orientation (unconscious feelings of right/wrong) is central to both short- and long-term regret intensity, whereas explicit justification (conscious thought) only influences long-term regret intensity. 3. An empirical study found support for the DPTR but not for previous theories about the influence of life domains or temporal patterns on regret.
What the hell was I thinking?
- 1. What the hell was I thinking? Understanding the precursors to real-life regret Andy Towers, Ross Flett, & Stephen Hill School of Psychology Massey University
- 2. A History of Regret Regret is VERY common What signals regret? Turned out worse than it could have We were responsible for the decision Involved something we care about
- 3. What do we regret? Educational choices are our greatest regret* *Roese, N. J., & Summerville, A. (2005). Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, 31 , 1273-1285. Proportion of regrets (%)
- 4. Past theories of regret Temporal Pattern to Life Regret Short-term: We regret actions more than inactions Long-term: We regret inactions more than actions Differences in Life Domains High opportunity to change (e.g., education) = high regret Low opportunity to change (e.g., family) = low regret But… Where is the humanity? Where is the intensity?
- 5. Pathway to a new theory Everyday decision-making Implicit - Fast and requires little cognitive effort (e.g., heuristics) Explicit - Slow and requires a lot of cognitive effort (e.g., analysis) A dual processes approach Implicit orientation Semi-hard-wired responses (e.g., driving) Based on situational consistency Justification Recognised as important Underdeveloped – what about levels of justification? Basis?
- 6. The Dual Process Theory of Regret Strong justification Weak justification No justification Decision Implicit Process Explicit Process Level of Regret Regrettable decision Feels ‘Wrong’ Feels ‘Right’ Strong justification Weak justification No justification HIGHEST LOWEST
- 7. Method Participants 653 respondents (23% response rate) Aged 18-87 (mean = 48) Mainly NZ European (82%) Broad range of educational levels & work status Postal Survey Greatest single short and long-term regret Regret intensity Whether regret contradicted personal life rules (i.e., self-consistency) How the decision was justified (i.e., strong, weak or none)
- 8. Results: Life domain Short-term regrets No difference in intensity Long-term regrets No difference in intensity Proportion of regrets (%) Proportion of regrets (%)
- 9. Results: Action vs. inaction Conclusion: Theory of Life Domains does not work The Temporal Theory of Regret does not work Intensity Actions more intense in long-term Regret Intensity (1-9)
- 10. DPTR: Short-term regrets Regret across DPTR groups What influences short-term regret intensity? Implicit Orientation (unconscious feeling) Decision Justification (conscious thought) Regret Intensity (1-9)
- 11. DPTR: Long-term regrets Regret across DPTR groups What influences long-term regret intensity? Implicit Orientation (unconscious feeling) Decision Justification (conscious thought) Regret Intensity (1-9)
- 12. What influences the intensity of regret? Our feelings of right and wrong Central to short and long-term regret If it feels wrong then don’t do it! Previous theories Do not work An explicit justification Only influences long-term regret intensity