When asked to predict their emotional reaction to being paralyzed in a car accident, most people know that they would be upset, but tend to overestimate for how long they would be upset. Research suggests that this error may occur because ____.
A) when imagining this, people focus too much attention on the possible paralysis, and do not consider other (happy) events that will happen in their lives
B) bad is stronger than good
C) of the affect-as-information effect
D) people do not take catharsis into account

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

People tend to focus on the negative event (paralysis) and overlook other positive aspects of life that will continue to bring happiness, leading to an overestimation of the duration of their negative emotions.

When Asked to Predict Their Emotional Reaction to Being Paralyzed