Research indicates that depressed individuals tend to perceive negative outcomes as more predictable and inevitable in hindsight, while also distorting their memory of initial expectations to be more negative than they were. Additionally, due to their inclination towards rumination, individuals with depression are more susceptible to getting entangled in hindsight bias when reflecting on regretful decisions or actions. This perpetuates feelings of shame and regret. To address this, the tool encourages clients to retrospectively examine a past decision, understanding the factors that influenced it, and then contemplate how they would have acted differently if they could revisit that moment.
By engaging in this exercise, individuals can gain insight into the cognitive processes underlying their regrets and explore alternative courses of action. It enables them to challenge distorted perceptions, reduce self-blame, and develop a more balanced perspective on past decisions. This tool serves as a valuable resource for clients to explore the interplay between hindsight bias, regret, and depressive symptoms, ultimately promoting self-reflection, growth, and improved decision-making
