What if fictive thoughts were to play a role in addiction asks researchers at Baylor College of Medicine. Fictive thoughts, or fictive learning uses “what if” scenarios on subjects to see “what might have been” and their emotional responses to these questions and fictional situations.

The study used MRI technology to detect changes in the brain in accordance to stimuli presented in the “what if” scenarios. Real world examples of stock market crashes, gambling and other scenarios are given subjects along with choices on how to react.

The studies measures emotional regret for choices taken and choices not taken and have tied these fictive learning experiences into the role of choices in addiction.