Counterfactual thinking and depression

This study explored the relationship between counterfactual thinking and depressive self-schemata. Specifically, the effect of depression on the focus, direction, and action versus inaction of counterfactual thoughts was studied. It was found that the positive and negative outcome events containing action resulted in a greater range of affect (regret and joy) for the depressed group, and positive and negative outcome events with inaction resulted in greater affect (regret and joy) for the nondepressed group. The depressed and nondepressed groups did not differ in their focus on the self or other within their counterfactual thoughts in response to a positive or negative eventAlso, no differences between the depressed and nondepressed groups use of upward and downward counterfactual thoughts were found.Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance ServicesThesis (M.A.