反事实思维的特征及认知过程

The Features and Cognitive Processes of Counterfactual Thinking

反事实思维(counterfactual thinking)是个体对现实结果进行否定,并在头脑中构建其他可能性假设的心理活动。其具有解释过去、准备未来、调节情绪等认知和社会功能,在个体的日常生活中发挥着关键作用。整合了国内外关于反事实思维的研究成果,介绍了反事实思维的概念、类型和功能,并对反事实思维的相关研究进行了阐述。详细解释了反事实思维的三个认知过程(心理模拟、推理、学习与适应)。针对反事实思维的研究工具、影响因素及脑机制等方面提出对未来研究的展望。

Counterfactual thinking is a mental activity in which people negate the factual outcome and construct another possibility.It has cognitive and social functions such as interpreting the past,preparing for the future and regulating emotions,thus playing a critical role in an individual’s daily life.The present paper first introduces the concept and types of counterfactual thinking,and expounds the main functions of counterfactual thinking and its related research.Then it explains in detail the three cognitive processes of counterfactual thinking(mental simulation,inference,learning and adaptation).Finally,the research prospects are proposed in terms of research tools,contributing factors and brain mechanisms of counterfactual thinking.