Regret in the life reflections of older adults (Paperback)

Who has not mentally revisited a moment in life, reflected upon it, found it lacking, imagined and retrospectively desired a better alternative? This is the essence of regret. Regret may be useful if one can effect change in what is regretted or learn from it. What happens, however, when opportunities to effect change or to pursue unattained goals are diminished, as in later life? This study focuses on the experience of regret in older adults as expressed in in-depth life history interviews, using quantitative and qualitative methods. The main research questions were: Do personality and dispositional variables have differential impact on frequency and intensity of regret? Does regret have impact on older adults' psychological and physical well-being? What are regret themes and dimensions in older adults? Are there high- and low-regret profiles that may indicate a tendency to be regretful? This book, based on an empirical study, addresses researchers in adult development and aging, life review, autobiographical memory, reminiscence and narrative but is also of interest to clinicians, therapists and individuals interested in regret.