Regret and the Mind: Why We Dwell on What Could Have Been

Have you ever found yourself lost in the past, replaying decisions and wondering how life might have turned out if you'd chosen differently? Regret is a universal human experience, but why does it linger? Why do our minds fixate on missed opportunities, unspoken words, and paths not taken?

In this episode, our warm and wise psychology professor emeritus unpacks the science of regret—exploring the psychology behind counterfactual thinking, the emotional weight of regret, and how different cultures experience and process this deeply human emotion. Drawing from real-world psychological studies and classic research by experts like Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky, and Neal Roese, this episode reveals how our brains construct alternate realities and why regret can feel so consuming.

But regret isn’t just about loss—it’s also about learning. Through gentle storytelling and thoughtful reflection, we examine how regret can be transformed from a source of pain into a tool for growth and self-improvement. You'll discover practical psychological strategies for letting go of regret, reframing past choices, and moving forward with clarity and self-compassion.

Whether you’re a psychology student, a lifelong learner, or simply someone reflecting on past decisions, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of why we dwell on what could have been—and how to break free from regret’s hold.

🎧 Tune in and join us on this introspective journey into the science of the mind.

🔗 Subscribe now to The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr for more thought-provoking discussions on human behavior, emotions, and the science behind our everyday experiences.

#Psychology #Regret #MentalHealth #SelfReflection #EmotionalWellbeing #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #CognitiveScience #Neuroscience #HumanBehavior #LifeChoices