On the Existential Road From Regret to Heroism: Searching for Meaning in Life

Frontiers in Psychology 9 (2018)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

We investigated whether regret predicted the motivation to act heroically. In a series of studies, we examined the relationship between regret, search for meaning in life, and heroism motivation. First, Study 1 (a and b) established the link between regret and search for meaning in life, considering regret as a whole, action regret, and inaction regret. Specifically, regret correlated positively with search for meaning in life. In additional two studies, we examined whether regret predicted the heroism motivation and whether this effect would be mediated through search for meaning in life. Study 2 confirmed this hypothesis for individual differences in regret, using a correlational design. Study 3 confirmed the hypothesis for temporary experiences of regret, using an experimental design. In addition, in Study 3 we found that heroism motivation was more likely for people with high self-enhancement needs than for those with lower self-enhancement needs. We discuss the relationship between regret and heroism in light of these results and explore implications for everyday life.

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 90,616

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Similar books and articles

Az Út az értelem felé (On The Road to Meaning’).Attila Tanyi - 2013 - In Attila Gabor Toth & Kriszta Kovacs (eds.), Lehetséges (Possible). Kalligram. pp. 355-373.
The Dynamics of Change in Everyday Life: Final Response.Johan Essen - 2016 - Foundations of Science 21 (2):343-346.
The Dynamics of Change in Everyday Life: Final Response.Johan von Essen - 2016 - Foundations of Science 21 (2):343-346.
Regret and Moral Maturity: A Response to Michael Ing and Manyul Im.Amy Olberding - 2015 - Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy 14 (4):579-587.
What psychology means to me.R. Sugarman - 2006 - Mens Sana Monographs 4 (1):139.
Parental Choices and the Prospect of Regret: An Alternative Account.Katrien Schaubroeck & Kristien Hens - 2017 - International Journal of Philosophical Studies 25 (5):586-607.
Vain Regrets.Paul Gilbert - 2017 - International Journal of Philosophical Studies 25 (5):635-645.

Analytics

Added to PP
2018-12-03

Downloads
11 (#975,863)

6 months
1 (#1,040,386)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?