Migrants’ regrets: The role of regulatory focuses, social comparison, discrimination, and uncertainty aversion

The present study examines immigrants’ regret about their decision to emigrate. One hundred and ninety-six immigrants who had emigrated to the UK completed a questionnaire containing scales measuring regulatory focus (prevention and promotion), social comparison with compatriots in the country of origin, uncertainty aversion, perceived discrimination and regret. As expected, the results showed that immigrants with a predominance of prevention (vs. promotion) focus experienced more regret about their decision to emigrate. Furthermore, upward social comparison with compatriots in the country of origin, uncertainty aversion and perceived discrimination were all associated with greater regret. Interestingly, interactive effects also emerged among the key variables of the study. First, the relationship between negative social comparison with compatriots in the country of origin and regret was more pronounced among individuals with a greater prevalence of prevention (vs. promotion) focus. Second, the relationship between perceived discrimination and regret was more pronounced among individuals with a greater prevalence of prevention (vs. promotion) focus. Third, the relationship between uncertainty aversion and regret was more pronounced among individuals with a greater prevalence of prevention (vs. promotion) focus. Theoretical and applied implications of these findings are discussed.