Bushman et al. (2011)

Bushman et al. (2011) examined how experiencing emotional pain, like regret or guilt, can influence decision-making, especially in financial contexts. They found that when people recalled personal emotional pain, they became more cautious, often choosing safer options. Their study suggests that emotional experiences serve as internal signals guiding us toward more cautious or ethical choices, reducing impulsive behavior. Essentially, emotional pain can act as an internal check, helping individuals make more considered decisions by raising awareness of potential negative consequences.