Empirical Study (Nostalgia) - Evans et al. (2022)

Lecture 10

Sedikides et al. (2015)

nostalgia = cognitive foundations in e.g. ruminating, motivational foundations in e.g. longing. blended state like gratitude, jealousy, etc. bittersweet.

nostalgic memories triggered by:-

• internal cues = neg. affect, loneliness, existential terror, boredom

• external cues = music, lyrics, smells, tastes, childhood objects, cold temps

Study Background

romantic relationships essential for psychological and physical wellbeing. romantic nostalgia (RN) = nostalgia for past experiences w/ current partner. nostalgia connected to social connectedness and meaning.

rel. quality indicators:

• closeness (bond)

• satisfaction (pos. emotions)

• commitment (maintenance, working together)

romantic love:

• compassionate - trust, respect, affection, care

• passionate = deep desire to be with partner

Paper Rationale

• RN will increase closeness perceptions

• RN will elevate perceived meaningfulness/value in relationship

• partner focus on pos. experiences → redemptive trajectory

• nostalgising relationship → increase commitment

previous literature mixed and scarce (Mallory et al., 2018).

Study Design

Ps = undergrad psych students + gen. population samples (American, Dutch, English).

measures = self-reports + narratives.

design = correlational, experimental.

Study 1 - Method

tested whether RN associated with relationship closeness, satisfaction, commitment, duration (correlational).

Study 2 - Method

induced RN via nostalgic event recollection.

tested if RN strengthens closeness, satisfaction, commitment (experimental).

Study 3 - Method

manipulated nostalgia with relevant nostalgic song.

tested whether RN can affect connectedness to partner + boost optimism about relationship future (experimental).

Study 4 - Method

pre-screening.

Ps complete personality measures + start 14-day diary.

examine link between RN and relationship functioning in daily life (longitudinal).

Results - Study 1

RN positively correlated to closeness, satisfaction and commitment.

Results - Study 2+3

RN strengthens all relationship indicators (EXCEPT commitment in study 3).

RN boosts romantic connectedness and optimism - either in compassionate or passionate love.

Results - Study 4

replicated most field study findings.

confirmed → days Ps felt more RN, report stronger connectedness + optimism about future. weaker intention to terminate relationship.

Limitations

may not be causal effect - relationship quality could induce nostalgia about relationship.

future studies should examine possible neg. experiences in nostalgia narratives e.g. support, conflict, forgiveness, breakup rates.

majority of Ps on average happy with relationship.

more representative samples required.

other demographic info not collected e.g. SES, class, disability.

Nostalgia as Emotional Regulation Tool

increases optimism by lifting social connectedness and self-esteem in Ps high in trait nostalgia (Cheung et al., 2016).

self-esteem mediating effect on emotional regulation - lower self-esteem mediates relationship of anxiety and maladaptive emotional regulation (Fernandes et al., 2021).

Nostalgia - Help Maintain Wellbeing

enhances health and wellbeing, promotes adaptive functioning e.g. emotional regulation in poor mental health people (Routledge et al., 2013).

nostalgia typically positive experience - improves mood, enhances pos. self regard, contributes to perceptions of meaning = psychological resource.