Regret in adolescents

Regret is a complex cognitive emotion arising from the realization that an alternative action could have led to a better outcome. Importantly, regret plays a crucial role in decision-making, influencing both choices yet to be made (anticipated regret, e.g., Lorimer et al., 2024a, 2024b) and reactions to realized outcomes (experienced regret, e.g., Zeelenberg et al., 1998). Anticipated regret acts as a motivational force, prompting individuals to consider potential consequences and make choices that minimize the likelihood of future regret. In contrast, experienced regret functions as a feedback mechanism, providing valuable information about the impact of past actions; it supports learning and adaptive behaviour by encouraging individuals to reflect on their choices and adjust future decisions accordingly.

The development of regret follows a trajectory shaped by cognitive, social, and emotional factors. While findings are mixed, research suggests that children can feel regret for actions affecting themselves from around age six (e.g., O’Connor et al., 2012) and for actions affecting others by around age seven (Corbett et al., 2021). The capacity to anticipate regret in simple, experimental tasks typically emerges slightly later, around age nine (McCormack & Feeney, 2015). However, it remains unclear at what stage young people begin routinely considering future regret when making real-world decisions.

During adolescence, young people face increasingly complex decision-making contexts, from academic choices to peer relationships and health behaviours. Cognitive maturation, social influences, and individual differences are expected to shape regret development and, in turn, influence decision-making and behavioural outcomes. That being said, there is limited understanding of how adolescents integrate past regret experiences, the regret experiences of others, or the anticipation of future regret into their decision-making. The proposed project aims to address this gap.

Please note: Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are strongly encouraged to apply.