The relationship between life regrets and well-being: a systematic review

Introduction: The aim of the current study is to examine the association between life regret and well-being, through a systematic review.

Methods: Four different databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest, Dissertations & Theses Global, and ERIC) were used to source 31 relevant articles, published between 1989 and 2018.

Results: We conclude that experiencing greater life regret is associated with negative effects on various aspects of well-being, such as life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Although the impact of life regret on well-being is suggested to vary across individual differences in lived experience, age- and gender-related findings remain mixed across studies. This inconsistency may be partly due to the varying protective factors and coping mechanisms individuals use, which may mediate the relationship between life regrets and well-being. Protective factors include the degree of engagement or disengagement towards regret reversal, social comparison, appraisal, and interpretation.

Discussion: However, these conclusions are not definite, as the measurement of regret and well-being are inconsistent across studies and there is limited diversity in study samples. Moreover, further research including diverse populations and more standardized measures is necessary to strengthen existing links and identify mediators that could serve as modifiable protective factors between life regret and well-being.

Systematic review registration: https://osf.io/hy7xj.