Question

Gabriel and Jim were involved in a car accident and they both suffered a broken bone. Gabriel told Jim, "Hey at least we only broke a few bones - we could've died!" Jim's response to Gabriel was "Yes, but I'm now thinking about how I can be a better driver so that I never get in an accident again." Gabriel's statement reflects an________ counterfactual and Jim's response reflects an________ counterfactual.

a) lateral; lateral
b) downward; upward
c) upward; downward
d) upward; upward
e) downward; downward

Answer 1

B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Counterfactual thoughts can be defined as the imaginary thoughts. In such thoughts, a person imagines what might have been the possible outcome in a certain situation, but this outcome does not happen.

Upward counterfactual thoughts are the thoughts that suggest strategies or the steps that can be taken. It is a reflective counterfactual thoughts.

Whereas, downward counterfactual thoughts are the ones that give relief from the situation for a short period. Such thoughts just improve our moods and are not reflective.

In the given case, Gabriel's counterfactual thought is downward and Jim's counterfactual thought is upward.

So, the correct answer is option B.