What does Affective Forecasting involve?

Affective Forecasting specifically refers to the process by which individuals attempt to predict their emotional reactions to future events, particularly focusing on how intense those emotions will be and how long they will last. This concept is grounded in the understanding that people often misjudge their emotional responses, leading to either overestimations or underestimations of how certain experiences will affect them emotionally.

The significance of affective forecasting lies in its implications for decision-making. For instance, when making choices about careers, relationships, or other significant life events, individuals often rely on their predictions about how these choices will make them feel in the future. This process can strongly influence their behavior and choices, even if their forecasts are not entirely accurate.

In summary, option B accurately captures the essence of affective forecasting by emphasizing the prediction of both the intensity and duration of emotional reactions to anticipated future experiences.