My main area of research centers on counterfactual thinking, which refers to thoughts of what might have been. These thoughts are closely connected to affect, motivation, and numerous social judgments. Many people seem to think repeatedly about choices they should have made, actions they might have taken, accidents they could have avoided. Often, these thoughts make us feel even worse and may interfere with subsequent coping. Some research has shown that individuals suffering traumatic circumstances cope significantly worse when they repeatedly think about what might have been. On the other hand, it seems that such thoughts often reveal to people corrective action that is relevant and useful for future conduct. Individuals might learn from their mistakes in part by mentally simulating actions they should have taken. In this light, counterfactual thinking might be seen as inherently useful, or functional.