Counterfactual Thinking | LearnPsychology

In this video we talk about counterfactual thinking.
**I noticed in editing that I refer to "Downward Counterfactual Thinking" as Downward Factual Thinking. Please note this adjustment. The correct term is Downward Counterfactual Thinking!**
References
Baron, R.A., Byrne, D., Branscombe, N.R., & Fritzley H.V. (2011). Social Cognition: Thinking About the Social World. In R. A. Baron, Mastering Social Psychology Canadian Edition (pp. 28-58). Pearson Canada, Toronto ON.

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree9209]

Like the references in the description. Always useful and shows that someone is not just speaking off the top of their heads.

[@GlamRacket]

The podium example is brilliant

[@empirej2479]

I'm always in the upward counterfactual thinking. I'll tell you why. I am an online marketer. When I was first introduced to online marketing about 5 years ago, I rejected the offer. Until 2020, when I begin taking action, now I wished that I should've listen, so I am always thinking or predicting to myself, if I had done this 5 years ago, I would've been in much better situation and perhaps financially free. In some to most cases people regret during the upward counterfactual thinking. There are times that I was in the downward counterfactual thinking. Usually happens when I took a college course. I was just happy that I passed differential equations class despite the fact that I barely studied for any exams.

[@learnpsychology8056]

Thank you for sharing! You're right, when people engage in upward counterfactual thinking, they tend to feel regret. You can try exercises like mindfulness and awareness to try and shift your upward counterfactual thoughts into downward counterfactual thoughts! For example, when you think to yourself, "I could have started 5 years ago" you can say "Wow! I'm glad I took the leap and began when I did, imagine I hadn't started yet!" And thats a great example of downward counterfactual thinking!

[@suparnahari8241]

Very neatly explained. Thank u!

[@learnpsychology8056]

My pleasure! Thank you for the comment!

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree9209]

Cool channel/videos! Subscribed 😊
Be interesting to read something personal in the 'About'. How did you get into psychology? What do you do? Other interesting things about you.

[@learnpsychology8056]

Great idea! I'll consider adding another section in there!

[@feliciacioffi1195]

Great job 👍

[@learnpsychology8056]

Thank you!

[@trunked_14]

Please open the English subtitle, automatic one.

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree9209]

Go for 🥉 (then you'll be happy with 🥈too)
😉😀

[@learnpsychology8056]

And who knows ... You might even end up with 1st!