Autobiographical Life Experiences: Counterfactual Thinking and Meaning

Authors

Weston Hadlock, Brigham Young University
Dr. Katie Liljenquist, Brigham Young University

Keywords

autobiographical life, counter-factual thinking, life narrative, fate

College

Marriott School of Management

Department

Strategic Management

Abstract

The initial goal of this study was to explore the different effects of counter-factual thinking on one’s assignment of meaning to life. The creation of these ‘what-if’ scenarios for many people has often been associated with regret. We, however, hypothesized that constructing these mental alternatives may instead lead to the perception that the path life took was meaningful because the contrast underscores the opportunities, relationships, and achievements that would not have occurred without these key elements in one’s life narrative.

Recommended Citation

Hadlock, Weston and Liljenquist, Dr. Katie (2014) "Autobiographical Life Experiences: Counterfactual Thinking and Meaning," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 1019.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1019