ABSTRACT
In general, there is a pervasively negative attitude around regret in our society. Most believe one should lead one’s life in ways that one should never have to regret anything. And if one does have regrets, it is considered to be useless or worse—it is seen as a sign of pathology, weakness and/or futility. This chapter first defines and describes regret, differentiates it from remorse, and then discusses some of the possibilities inherent in the experience of regret—its potential to create change and influence the future, positively or negatively—what it can do, and often, does do. Regret is the theme of many novels, plays, movies, and other narrative forms. The choice of the following two movies is ultimately a personal one. Regret, as a screen affect, can be remarkably stable for years. And yet, being naturally oriented toward the past, it does tend to provoke repeated reminiscences, which can, lead to the unraveling of its defensive structure.
