ABSTRACT
Thinking about events that might have happened, but didn’t, is known as counterfactual thinking (thinking contrary to the facts) and is a common feature of human thought (Hofstadter, 1979). Counterfactual thinking is a form of hypothetical thinking that focuses on alternative realities. It is integral to considering alternative solutions (e.g., If I were to start an exercise program, would I be able to stick to it?), ascribing blame (e.g., If only he had more control of his temper, we might still be together), and making causal attributions (e.g., If I had only turned right at the corner, I wouldn’t have had this accident). Such thinking is also a central feature in a variety of emotional experiences including regret (e.g., If I were less depressed, he wouldn’t have left me), grief (e.g., If only we’d consulted a doctor sooner, she’d still be alive), and shame (e.g., If I weren’t such a loser, they wouldn’t laugh at me).
