Abstract
This research examined the proposition that nostalgia is not simply a past-oriented emotion, but its scope extends into the future, and, in particular, a positive future. We adopted a convergent validation approach, using multiple methods to assess the relation between nostalgia and optimism. Study 1 tested whether nostalgic narratives entail traces of optimism; indeed, nostalgic (compared with ordinary) narratives contained more expressions of optimism. Study 2 manipulated nostalgia through the recollection of nostalgic (vs. ordinary) events, and showed that nostalgia boosts optimism. Study 3 demonstrated that the effect of nostalgia (induced with nomothetically relevant songs) on optimism is mediated by self-esteem. Finally, Study 4 established that nostalgia (induced with idiographically relevant lyrics) fosters social connectedness, which subsequently increases self-esteem, which then boosts optimism. The nostalgic experience is inherently optimistic and paints a subjectively rosier future.
Keywords: nostalgia, optimism, emotion, memory, self-esteem, social connectedness
Keywords: nostalgia, optimism, emotion, memory, self-esteem, social connectedness
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1484-1496 |
Journal | Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |