囧研究:健康在于和自己差的人比较

　　Although French singer Edith Piaf defiantly sang that she would have no regrets, most people will look back and say "if only" at many points in their lives。

　　But holding on to "what might have been" can actually be detrimental to your health。

　　Scientists from Concordia University found that people who compared themselves to successful friends and neighbors caught more colds than people who did the same with those they considered worse off。

　　Lead author Dr Isabelle Bauer, said: "Our study examined how younger and older adults cope with life regrets."

　　"One common coping mechanism was through social comparisons, which can be both good and bad, depending on whether people think they can undo their regrets."

　　"Generally if people compare themselves to those who are worse off, they're going to feel better."

　　"When they compare themselves to people who are better off, it can make them feel worse."

　　The researchers asked 104 adults of various ages to complete a survey about their greatest regrets。

　　These ranged from not spending enough time with their family to having married the wrong person. Participants were then asked to report how the severity of their own regrets compared to the regrets of other people their age。

　　The scientists found those who regularly considered those less fortunate than themselves reported a positive effect on their emotional well-being。

　　Senior author Professor Carsten Wrosch, said: "The emotional distress of regrets can trigger biological disregulation of the hormone and immune systems that makes people more vulnerable to develop clinical health problems - whether a cold or other potentially longer-term health problems. "

　　"In this study, we showed that downward social comparisons can improve emotional well-being and help prevent health problems."

　　Unlike findings from previous studies on the same topic, age did not determine how effectively people reconciled their life regrets。

　　Dr Bauer said: "Moving on and being able to maintain good emotional well-being depends greatly on an individual's opportunity to correct the cause of their regrets."