Anticipated Regret in Self-Control Dilemmas and Autonomous Motivation

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between autonomous motivation and anticipated regret in self-control dilemmas. We conducted an Internet survey with 200 employed individuals in their twenties. Participants read scenarios of self-control dilemmas (i.e., work vs. pleasure) and indicated if they would regret their decisions one week after and ten years after their decision. The results revealed that those with low motivation and low autonomy anticipated more regret if they did not choose work over pleasure ten years later, than they anticipated one week after the decision. These results support the belief that “doing the right thing” contributes to hyperopia.