Cornell Study: Bad Decisions Cause Less Regret When Made Independently

A recent Cornell University study published in the journal *Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin* reveals that people experience less regret when they make bad decisions independently compared to when they follow advice from others. Researchers conducted experiments where participants chose between lotteries, some with advice and some without. The group that made their own choices, even when losing, felt less regret. Sunita Sah, a co-author, suggests rejecting advice that goes against better judgment, as following others can lead to increased self-blame. Kaitlin Woolley, another co-author, was surprised to find that having an advisor didn't spread responsibility as expected. The study emphasizes the importance of owning decisions, learning from mistakes, and trusting oneself to minimize regret. Making independent choices, even if they turn out poorly, promotes a healthier mindset and reduces the negative impact of regret.