Definition for Counterfactual thinking
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Counterfactual thinking involves our imagining alternative possible situations and outcomes. If a person imagines an upward counterfactual, she or he is engaged in the process of comparing a current outcome with a more favorable one. Such upward counterfactual thinking can lead to increased dissatisfaction with current reality. If a person imagines a downward counterfactual, she or he is engaged in the process of comparing a current outcome with a less favorable one. Downward counterfactual thinking can lead to increased satisfaction with current reality.
