Regret in adolescents

Summary

Regret is a complex cognitive emotion arising from the realization that an alternative action could have led to a better outcome. Importantly, regret plays a crucial role in decision-making, influencing both choices yet to be made (anticipated regret, e.g., Lorimer et al., 2024a, 2024b) and reactions to realized outcomes (experienced regret, e.g., Zeelenberg et al., 1998). Anticipated regret acts as a motivational force, prompting individuals to consider potential consequences and make choices that minimize the likelihood of future regret. In contrast, experienced regret functions as a feedback mechanism, providing valuable information about the impact of past actions; it supports learning and adaptive behaviour by encouraging individuals to reflect on their choices and adjust future decisions accordingly.

The development of regret follows a trajectory shaped by cognitive, social, and emotional factors. While findings are mixed, research suggests that children can feel regret for actions affecting themselves from around age six (e.g., O’Connor et al., 2012) and for actions affecting others by around age seven (Corbett et al., 2021). The capacity to anticipate regret in simple, experimental tasks typically emerges slightly later, around age nine (McCormack & Feeney, 2015). However, it remains unclear at what stage young people begin routinely considering future regret when making real-world decisions.

During adolescence, young people face increasingly complex decision-making contexts, from academic choices to peer relationships and health behaviours. Cognitive maturation, social influences, and individual differences are expected to shape regret development and, in turn, influence decision-making and behavioural outcomes. That being said, there is limited understanding of how adolescents integrate past regret experiences, the regret experiences of others, or the anticipation of future regret into their decision-making. The proposed project aims to address this gap.

Please note: Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.