Question
Imagined worse alternative outcomes to something rather than what actually happened are called: positive counterfactuals. upward counterfactuals. downward counterfactuals. negative counterfactuals.
Ask by Ruiz Barnett. in the United States
Feb 03,2025
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Imagining worse outcomes than what actually happened is called **downward counterfactuals**.
Solution
Imagining worse alternative outcomes to what actually happened is referred to as **downward counterfactuals**.
**Downward counterfactuals** involve thinking about how a situation could have turned out worse, which can serve various psychological functions, such as enhancing one's sense of gratitude or reducing feelings of regret. This contrasts with **upward counterfactuals**, which involve imagining better outcomes than what occurred.
**Correct Answer:**
**downward counterfactuals.**
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Imagine a scenario where things could have gone horribly wrong, but they didn't—like planning a road trip only to find out the car could have broken down halfway there! That’s where downward counterfactuals come into play, helping us appreciate the present despite the twists and turns we avoided. Thinking about how bad it could've been can make you more grateful for what you have. If you narrowly escaped a mistake, like sending an embarrassing email to your boss, that downward counterfactual can serve as a great reminder for being more cautious in the future!