13 Aug When is Regret Helpful and When Is It Destructive

Neuroscientists have considered regret as a complex emotion. It has always been implied to be a negative feeling because there is always an underlying statement that you could have done something—you could’ve picked a different choice or an action.  

It was also revealed that feeling regret involves multiple brain regions and cognitive processes.  

Despite the complexity of regret, people value it more than any other negative emotion.  

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Value of Regret  

Studies have examined how regret can be a beneficial aspect of decision-making. One 2024 study cited research stating that regret was seen to be most beneficial out of 12 negative emotions when it comes to making sense of past experiences, facilitating approach and avoidance behaviors, gaining insights into the self, and in preserving social harmony.  

Another 2022 study looked at the correlation between regret and altruism. The researchers found that participants who experienced regret and relief had a greater tendency to donate a certain amount of money for the benefit of others.  

The research also concluded that negative emotions may increase concern for others and fairness, while positive emotions may increase self-focus and selfishness.  

Other ways that regret can be beneficial include:  

• Improved decision-making skills  

• Increase motivation   

• Increased self-awareness  

• Can inspire feelings of gratitude  

Regret As a Cause for More Negative Emotions  

Feelings of regret promote a type of counterfactual thinking, which means the tendency to come up with alternative events. This is where one might think “what if” or “if only” scenarios.   

Counterfactual thinking can lead to rumination, which can cause:  

• Spiraling into worry or anxiety  

• Beating yourself up over the past  

• Losing sleep   

• Overthinking can distract you from your daily life  

• Feeling deep unhappiness or depression  

It was also shown that persistent regret can increase the risk of certain physical health problems, such as:  

• Breathing issues  

• Chest pain   

• Joint pain  

• Poor self-esteem  

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness  

What you make of your experience is just a matter of perspective, whether you will use it as inspiration or as a thought to weigh you down.  

If you have been experiencing feelings of regret, here are some ways to cope:  

• Practice mindfulness  

• Have an outlet to release your energy and focus on  

• Be more physically active  

• Talk to a professional  

It takes time to be a better version of yourself. You cannot rush progress by ruminating on what you could’ve done or if you keep on thinking that things could have been different if you chose differently. There is only now, and accepting what you can or cannot do.  

One of the things you can control is your choice when it comes to your health. Better Health comes with various health plans that are tailored to fit your needs.   

With iCare, the best affordable HMO in the Philippines, you can get a prepaid health plan here https://shop.icare.com.ph/ or get a quote for a more comprehensive health plan here https://icare.com.ph/  

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