From Grace to Guilt: How Spiritually Helps with Regret

A. Problem or Major purpose: Current regret literature suggests a psychological difference in how people cognitively evaluate their own role in suboptimal outcomes, in terms of (in)actions taken. Initial studies report a robust action effect (Kahneman, 1982); however. subsequent studies have challenged these findings and suggest that it is the inactions that elicit greater regret (e.g., Gilovich & Medvec, 1995). When facing the consequences of our most impactful decisions, spirituality- more specifically spiritual style- may significantly impact the decision-making process, in turn the amount of regret experienced. This study will explore the role of spirituality with regards to experience of regret. It is expected that spirituality will affect regret, and the directionality of the effect is contingent on the presence of a negative or positive religious coping style. For example, developing a secure attachment with a spiritual deity may aid in the development of self compassion and forgiveness to allow judgment of regrettable actions through a framework of divine absolve, reducing feelings of guilt. Alternately, there are other aspects of spirituality which may imbue, and even encourage feelings of guilt. In this case, the perception of being punished by a divine source for one's wrongdoing may increase the amount of regret experienced. B. Procedure: This study will examine the interactive effect of decision type (action vs. inaction) and level of spirituality (low vs. high) on the intensity of regret using a scenario paradigm. Participants will be asked to complete the SS, spirituality scale (Delaney, 2003), after which they will be instructed to imagine themselves either changing or sustaining a regretful decision. Participants will then rate the amount of regret they would experience upon a negative outcome. C. Results: Approximately 60 participants. will be recruited. Consistent with Kahneman and Tversky’s findings, we expect to find a main effect of decision type—individuals will report experiencing more regret following a (failed) action. Additionally, a significant interaction between level of spirituality and decision type is also expected. D. Conclusions: This study is expected to shed light on spirituality as a contributing factor to experience of regret following (failed) action/inactions based on the religious coping styles. Positive religious coping styles are expected to produce less feelings of regret from their failed actions whereas negative religious coping methods should experience greater difficulty in absolving personal guilt following a change in decision (action)