Regret Rumination and Second-Chance Thinking: Cognitive Mechanisms, Mental Health Impact, and Therapeutic Strategies
Regret rumination and “second-chance” thinking are cognitive processes through which individuals repeatedly evaluate past decisions, identify counterfactual alternatives, and attempt to reframe outcomes. Although commonly discussed in everyday language, these processes are clinically relevant because they can amplify depressive symptoms, anxiety, and maladaptive coping. In cognitive science, regret is closely related to counterfactual thinking—mental simulations… Read More »