Professors writing book on regret

NEWBURGH — Lawrence T. Force and Paul D. Schwartz, professors of psychology at Mount Saint Mary College, are gathering material for a book on regret. Force studies senior citizens, while Schwartz studies children. Now they are collaborating to research people in mid-life and how they deal with regret. Over the past year, they have interviewed more than 250 people, asking them what they regret. They have heard fascinating stories, including one of a man who did not visit his dying father and another of a woman who made adult films in college to earn money. Regret seems to be endemic to mid-life according to Schwartz. Regret can paralyze, but it can also lead to transformation. The professors’ book will be more than a collection of stories about regret. The psychologists want to offer strategies to help people move forward. They want the stories to be catalysts for change. Force has a doctorate from SUNY Albany and Schwartz has a doctorate from Columbia University. To learn more about their research on regret, contact Force, at 845-569-3164 or force@msmc.edu, or Schwartz, at 845-569-3161 or schwartz@msmc.edu. Visit the Mount at www.msmc.edu.