Thinking Counterfactually in Both Directions

Counterfactual thinking is a common mental phenomenon that occurs in our everyday lives. Counterfactual thoughts are the mental constructions of alternatives to reality the what if and if only thoughts we consider when pondering how an outcome could have turned out differently, for better or worse. The research presented in this book explores the affective and preparatory consequences arising from the sequential consideration of both better and worse possible worlds in response to somewhat positive, negative, and neutral outcomes. Thus, this research draws upon the functionalist account of counterfactual thinking. The research presented extends the investigation to the aptness of preadolescent children in considering counterfactual alternatives and examines the resulting affective and preparatory consequences.

Autorentext

Dr. Rebecca Zuchetti completed her PhD in the field of counterfactual thinking at the School of Psychology, University of Wollongong. Rebecca and her family reside near Sydney, Australia.