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An experimental investigation of the effects of anticipating regret and relief on intentions and decisions to get the influenza vaccination

Author

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  • Lorimer, Sara
  • McCormack, Teresa
  • Hoerl, Christoph
  • Johnston, Matthew
  • Beck, Sarah R.
  • Feeney, Aidan

Abstract

Recent studies of decision-related emotions and health decision-making show that, in addition to anticipated regret, anticipated counterfactual relief (relief for choosing one option over an alternative) predicts vaccination intentions and behaviors, but this is not so for anticipated temporal relief (relief that an unpleasant experience is over). However, these studies did not explore the effects of prompting different decision-related emotions on intentions and behavior. In this experimental study, we explored the effects of prompting participants to anticipate counterfactual relief, temporal relief, or regret on influenza vaccination intentions and behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorimer, Sara & McCormack, Teresa & Hoerl, Christoph & Johnston, Matthew & Beck, Sarah R. & Feeney, Aidan, 2025. "An experimental investigation of the effects of anticipating regret and relief on intentions and decisions to get the influenza vaccination," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 384(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:384:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625008482
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118517
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. O'Carroll, Ronan E. & Chambers, Julie A. & Brownlee, Linda & Libby, Gillian & Steele, Robert J.C., 2015. "Anticipated regret to increase uptake of colorectal cancer screening (ARTICS): A randomised controlled trial," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 118-127.
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    4. Capasso, Miriam & Caso, Daniela & Conner, Mark, 2021. "Anticipating pride or regret? Effects of anticipated affect focused persuasive messages on intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
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