In Barry Schwartz's "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," the concept of regret is explored in depth, focusing on how personal responsibility and the ability to envision better alternatives play crucial roles. When individuals feel personally accountable for their decisions, the likelihood of experiencing regret increases, as they question whether the outcome could have been different.

Moreover, the ease with which a person can imagine a more favorable scenario significantly influences their emotional response. If individuals can easily conceive of a better choice or outcome, their sense of regret is heightened, intensifying feelings of dissatisfaction and disappointment. This interplay between responsibility and imagination is essential in understanding the nature of regret in decision-making processes.