Counterfactual thinking Flashcards
mental simulations of possible outcomes that did not happen but can be imagined as having occurred =
counterfactual thoughts
when do counterfactual thoughts often occur?
when experiencing a negative outcome
what do counterfactuals do and why?
mentally stimulate a better alternative situation, because we are dissatisfied with reality
thinking about better possible outcomes ‘if only’ =
upwards counterfactual
thinking about the worst possible outcomes ‘at least’ =
downwards counterfactuals
what is the effect of upwards counterfactuals?
- highlight what could be done differently to achieve desired outcome
- functional
- foster behaviour change
what is the effect of downwards counterfactuals?
- provide immediate relief for self-threatening thoughts
2. shift attention to what worse outcome was avoided
how do counterfactuals have adaptive functions?
think about better realities so we can try and better ourselves
think about worse realities so we can feel better about ourselves
silver medalist made an ______ counterfactual and bronze medalist made a _______ counterfactual
upwards, downwards
model that looks at how counterfactuals make us feel =
self motive model of counterfactual thinking (Sanna et al, 2001)
upward = self ______ function = increased _____ affect
improvement, negative
downward = self _________ function = increased ______ affect
enhancement, positive
heightens success-enhancing intentions and behaviours = which counterfactual?
upwards
restores positive sense of self in response to negative events = which counterfactual?
downwards
which was one of the first models of counterfactual thinking that suggested they have affects on our emotions and behaviours?
self motive model of counterfactual thinking
what is the more recent model of counterfactual thinking?
The functional theory of counterfactual thinking (Epstude & Roese, 2008)
if the primary function of counterfactuals is problem solving then counterfactual thinking should be activated by _______
problems (+ should have the effect go evoking behaviours to correct those problems)
which model assumes that successful behaviour regulation is the only ‘functional’ outcome of counterfactual thinking?
the functional theory of counterfactual thinking
upwards counterfactuals are only considered functional when?
there is a likelihood that there will be an opportunity to change future behaviour
the behaviour targeted and changed is under the person’s control
when is a counterfactual thought uncontrollable?
when its what other people do that you can’t control or change in the future
uncontrollable =
dysfunctional
controllable =
functional
pathway that focuses on the specific thing in the circumstance so you change the specific behaviour to get the specific outcome next time =
content specific pathway
the content specific pathway helps you form ______
intentions (highlights the link between actions and outcomes)
