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<p>Counterfactual thinking (CT), the tendency to consider how events might have been different, is a common cognitive process following negative life events. This longitudinal study examines the prevalence and time-course evolution of CT immediately after early pregnancy loss. A sample of 119 women who experienced early pregnancy loss completed an online psychological assessment measuring traumatic impact, trait rumination, and CT presence, frequency, and content. The survey was administered at one week, one month, and four months post-loss. CT was highly prevalent (72%) and decreased over time. 99% of CT had an upward focus, imagining a better outcome than reality. Moreover, 91.6% were also self-referential, perceived as dependent on one’s own behaviors and emotions, frequently involving a heightened sense of personal responsibility for the loss. Rumination and traumatic impact predicted counterfactual thinking frequency over time, identifying psychological risk patterns. Findings support the idea that CT may serve an adaptive function by helping to process the loss and support future goal setting, including subsequent pregnancy. However, in individuals with high traumatic impact and rumination, CT may contribute to prolonged distress. Integrating psychological care alongside physical healthcare is essential to promoting long-term well-being after early pregnancy loss.</p>

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Time-course evolution of counterfactual thinking after early pregnancy loss

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月19日

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  • Aida Mallorquí,
  • Montse Pauta,
  • Gemma Cardona,
  • Claudia Alvarez-Martin,
  • Fernanda Paz-y-Miño,
  • Laura Nogué,
  • Xavier Segú,
  • Victoria Ardiles-Ruesjas,
  • Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells,
  • Antoni Borrell

摘要

Counterfactual thinking (CT), the tendency to consider how events might have been different, is a common cognitive process following negative life events. This longitudinal study examines the prevalence and time-course evolution of CT immediately after early pregnancy loss. A sample of 119 women who experienced early pregnancy loss completed an online psychological assessment measuring traumatic impact, trait rumination, and CT presence, frequency, and content. The survey was administered at one week, one month, and four months post-loss. CT was highly prevalent (72%) and decreased over time. 99% of CT had an upward focus, imagining a better outcome than reality. Moreover, 91.6% were also self-referential, perceived as dependent on one’s own behaviors and emotions, frequently involving a heightened sense of personal responsibility for the loss. Rumination and traumatic impact predicted counterfactual thinking frequency over time, identifying psychological risk patterns. Findings support the idea that CT may serve an adaptive function by helping to process the loss and support future goal setting, including subsequent pregnancy. However, in individuals with high traumatic impact and rumination, CT may contribute to prolonged distress. Integrating psychological care alongside physical healthcare is essential to promoting long-term well-being after early pregnancy loss.