The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Constantine Sedikides - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Nostalgia enhances detection of death threat neural and behavioral evidence
Scientific Reports, 2021Co-Authors: Ziyan Yang, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Keise Izuma, Emiko S Kashima, Yu L L Luo, Jun Chen, Huajian CaiAbstract:An experiment examined the potency of Nostalgia-a sentimental longing for one's past-to facilitate detection of death-related stimuli, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral techniques (i.e., judgmental accuracy, reaction times). We hypothesized and found that, at the neural level, nostalgic (relative to control) participants evinced more intense activation in right amygdala in response to death-related (vs. neutral) words. We also hypothesized and found that, at the behavioral level, nostalgic (relative to control) participants manifested greater accuracy in judging whether two death-related (vs. neutral) words belonged in the same category. Exploratory analyses indicated that nostalgic (relative to control) participants did not show faster reaction times to death-related (vs. neutral) words. In all, Nostalgia appeared to aid in death threat detection. We consider implications for the relevant literatures.
-
Nostalgia counteracts the negative relation between threat appraisals and intrinsic motivation in an educational context
Learning and Individual Differences, 2019Co-Authors: Olga Bialobrzeska, Andrew J Elliot, Tim Wildschut, Constantine SedikidesAbstract:Abstract We examined the coping potential of Nostalgia in an educational setting. In particular, we investigated whether Nostalgia can protect students from the pernicious link between threat appraisal and low intrinsic motivation. Undergraduate students (N = 382) reported threat and challenge appraisals in regards to a class they were taking, their Nostalgia, as well as their intrinsic motivation. Threat appraisals predicted reduced intrinsic motivation, but were also prognostic of increased Nostalgia. Nostalgia, in turn, was associated with increased intrinsic motivation. Thus, the negative direct association of threat appraisals with intrinsic motivation was counteracted by a positive indirect association via increased Nostalgia—a statistical suppression pattern. Nostalgia appears to have implications for achievement contexts.
-
organizational Nostalgia lowers turnover intentions by increasing work meaning the moderating role of burnout
Social Science Research Network, 2016Co-Authors: Joost M Leunissen, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Taya R CohenAbstract:We report three studies addressing the relevance of organizational Nostalgia for the meaning that employees ascribe to their work (work meaning). We hypothesized, and found, that organizational Nostalgia enhances work meaning and thereby reduces turnover intentions. In Study 1, an employee survey, spontaneously experienced organizational Nostalgia was associated with higher work meaning. In Study 2, an organizational-Nostalgia induction increased work meaning, which subsequently predicted lowered turnover intentions. In Study 3, an organizational-Nostalgia induction increased work meaning and thereby lowered turnover intentions, especially among employees who reported relatively high levels of burnout. When burnout is high, organizational Nostalgia functions as a rich source of meaning that benefits employees’ work experience.
-
induced Nostalgia increases optimism via social connectedness and self esteem among individuals high but not low in trait Nostalgia
Personality and Individual Differences, 2016Co-Authors: Wingyee Cheung, Constantine Sedikides, Tim WildschutAbstract:Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for the past, is not merely a past-oriented emotion, but has implications for the future. Experimentally induced Nostalgia fosters optimism by increasing social-connectedness (a sense of acceptance and belongingness) and self-esteem. Do these effects depend on trait Nostalgia (i.e., proneness to nostalgic engagement)? Consistent with past research, induced Nostalgia fostered optimism, and this effect was mediated by social-connectedness and self-esteem. More important, these effects uniquely applied to participants who were high, but not low, on trait Nostalgia. That is, induced Nostalgia (vs. control) was indirectly linked to heightened optimism through social-connectedness and self-esteem, for Nostalgia prone individuals. Proneness to nostalgic engagement, when coupled with momentary Nostalgia, confers benefits, not only in terms of greater social-connectedness and self-esteem, but also in terms of higher optimism.
-
Nostalgia fosters self continuity uncovering the mechanism social connectedness and consequence eudaimonic well being
Emotion, 2016Co-Authors: Constantine Sedikides, Tim Wildschut, Xinyue Zhou, Wingyee Cheung, Erica G Hepper, Jamie Arndt, Clay Routledge, Kenneth E Vail, Kenny Brackstone, Ad J. J. M. VingerhoetsAbstract:Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for one’s past, is an emotion that arises from self-relevant and social memories. Nostalgia functions, in part, to foster self-continuity, that is, a sense of connection between one’s past and one’s present. This article examined, in six experiments, how Nostalgia fosters self-continuity and the implications of that process for wellbeing. Nostalgia fosters self-continuity by augmenting social connectedness, that is, a sense of belongingness and acceptance (Experiments 1-4). Nostalgia-induced self-continuity, in turn, confers eudaimonic wellbeing, operationalized as subjective vitality (i.e., a feeling of aliveness and energy; Experiments 5-6). The findings clarify and expand the benefits of Nostalgia for both the self-system and psychological adjustment.
Tim Wildschut - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Nostalgia enhances detection of death threat neural and behavioral evidence
Scientific Reports, 2021Co-Authors: Ziyan Yang, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Keise Izuma, Emiko S Kashima, Yu L L Luo, Jun Chen, Huajian CaiAbstract:An experiment examined the potency of Nostalgia-a sentimental longing for one's past-to facilitate detection of death-related stimuli, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral techniques (i.e., judgmental accuracy, reaction times). We hypothesized and found that, at the neural level, nostalgic (relative to control) participants evinced more intense activation in right amygdala in response to death-related (vs. neutral) words. We also hypothesized and found that, at the behavioral level, nostalgic (relative to control) participants manifested greater accuracy in judging whether two death-related (vs. neutral) words belonged in the same category. Exploratory analyses indicated that nostalgic (relative to control) participants did not show faster reaction times to death-related (vs. neutral) words. In all, Nostalgia appeared to aid in death threat detection. We consider implications for the relevant literatures.
-
Nostalgia counteracts the negative relation between threat appraisals and intrinsic motivation in an educational context
Learning and Individual Differences, 2019Co-Authors: Olga Bialobrzeska, Andrew J Elliot, Tim Wildschut, Constantine SedikidesAbstract:Abstract We examined the coping potential of Nostalgia in an educational setting. In particular, we investigated whether Nostalgia can protect students from the pernicious link between threat appraisal and low intrinsic motivation. Undergraduate students (N = 382) reported threat and challenge appraisals in regards to a class they were taking, their Nostalgia, as well as their intrinsic motivation. Threat appraisals predicted reduced intrinsic motivation, but were also prognostic of increased Nostalgia. Nostalgia, in turn, was associated with increased intrinsic motivation. Thus, the negative direct association of threat appraisals with intrinsic motivation was counteracted by a positive indirect association via increased Nostalgia—a statistical suppression pattern. Nostalgia appears to have implications for achievement contexts.
-
organizational Nostalgia lowers turnover intentions by increasing work meaning the moderating role of burnout
Social Science Research Network, 2016Co-Authors: Joost M Leunissen, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Taya R CohenAbstract:We report three studies addressing the relevance of organizational Nostalgia for the meaning that employees ascribe to their work (work meaning). We hypothesized, and found, that organizational Nostalgia enhances work meaning and thereby reduces turnover intentions. In Study 1, an employee survey, spontaneously experienced organizational Nostalgia was associated with higher work meaning. In Study 2, an organizational-Nostalgia induction increased work meaning, which subsequently predicted lowered turnover intentions. In Study 3, an organizational-Nostalgia induction increased work meaning and thereby lowered turnover intentions, especially among employees who reported relatively high levels of burnout. When burnout is high, organizational Nostalgia functions as a rich source of meaning that benefits employees’ work experience.
-
induced Nostalgia increases optimism via social connectedness and self esteem among individuals high but not low in trait Nostalgia
Personality and Individual Differences, 2016Co-Authors: Wingyee Cheung, Constantine Sedikides, Tim WildschutAbstract:Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for the past, is not merely a past-oriented emotion, but has implications for the future. Experimentally induced Nostalgia fosters optimism by increasing social-connectedness (a sense of acceptance and belongingness) and self-esteem. Do these effects depend on trait Nostalgia (i.e., proneness to nostalgic engagement)? Consistent with past research, induced Nostalgia fostered optimism, and this effect was mediated by social-connectedness and self-esteem. More important, these effects uniquely applied to participants who were high, but not low, on trait Nostalgia. That is, induced Nostalgia (vs. control) was indirectly linked to heightened optimism through social-connectedness and self-esteem, for Nostalgia prone individuals. Proneness to nostalgic engagement, when coupled with momentary Nostalgia, confers benefits, not only in terms of greater social-connectedness and self-esteem, but also in terms of higher optimism.
-
Nostalgia fosters self continuity uncovering the mechanism social connectedness and consequence eudaimonic well being
Emotion, 2016Co-Authors: Constantine Sedikides, Tim Wildschut, Xinyue Zhou, Wingyee Cheung, Erica G Hepper, Jamie Arndt, Clay Routledge, Kenneth E Vail, Kenny Brackstone, Ad J. J. M. VingerhoetsAbstract:Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for one’s past, is an emotion that arises from self-relevant and social memories. Nostalgia functions, in part, to foster self-continuity, that is, a sense of connection between one’s past and one’s present. This article examined, in six experiments, how Nostalgia fosters self-continuity and the implications of that process for wellbeing. Nostalgia fosters self-continuity by augmenting social connectedness, that is, a sense of belongingness and acceptance (Experiments 1-4). Nostalgia-induced self-continuity, in turn, confers eudaimonic wellbeing, operationalized as subjective vitality (i.e., a feeling of aliveness and energy; Experiments 5-6). The findings clarify and expand the benefits of Nostalgia for both the self-system and psychological adjustment.
Clay Routledge - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Nostalgia fosters self continuity uncovering the mechanism social connectedness and consequence eudaimonic well being
Emotion, 2016Co-Authors: Constantine Sedikides, Tim Wildschut, Xinyue Zhou, Wingyee Cheung, Erica G Hepper, Jamie Arndt, Clay Routledge, Kenneth E Vail, Kenny Brackstone, Ad J. J. M. VingerhoetsAbstract:Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for one’s past, is an emotion that arises from self-relevant and social memories. Nostalgia functions, in part, to foster self-continuity, that is, a sense of connection between one’s past and one’s present. This article examined, in six experiments, how Nostalgia fosters self-continuity and the implications of that process for wellbeing. Nostalgia fosters self-continuity by augmenting social connectedness, that is, a sense of belongingness and acceptance (Experiments 1-4). Nostalgia-induced self-continuity, in turn, confers eudaimonic wellbeing, operationalized as subjective vitality (i.e., a feeling of aliveness and energy; Experiments 5-6). The findings clarify and expand the benefits of Nostalgia for both the self-system and psychological adjustment.
-
looking back to move forward Nostalgia as a psychological resource for promoting relationship goals and overcoming relationship challenges
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2015Co-Authors: Andrew A Abeyta, Clay Routledge, Jacob JuhlAbstract:Previous research has shown that Nostalgia is a highly social emotion that provides a sense of social connectedness. In the present research, we tested a social motivational function of Nostalgia. Specifically, across 7 studies we found converging evidence that Nostalgia mobilizes social goals. In Study 1, Nostalgia increased the importance people assigned to relationship goals and how optimistic they felt about achieving these goals. In Study 2, Nostalgia increased intentions to pursue goals of connecting with friends. In Study 3, experimentally induced pessimism about achieving relationship goals instigated Nostalgia. In Study 4, we found evidence that it is the interpersonal nature of Nostalgia that is associated with striving to connect with others. Specifically, Nostalgia about aspects of the past that were high in sociality was associated with intentions to interact with others, whereas Nostalgia for aspects of the past that were low in sociality was not. In Study 5, nostalgic reflection increased friendship-approach goal striving relative to reflecting on ordinary social memories, but did not increase friendship-avoidant goal striving. Finally, in Studies 6 and 7, we found evidence that social-efficacy mediated the effect of Nostalgia on striving to connect with others and striving to overcome interpersonal challenges. Together, these findings establish Nostalgia as catalyst for social goal pursuit and growth.
-
Nostalgia evoked inspiration mediating mechanisms and motivational implications
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2015Co-Authors: Elena Stephan, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Wingyee Cheung, Clay Routledge, Jamie ArndtAbstract:Six studies examined the Nostalgia–inspiration link and its motivational implications. In Study 1, Nostalgia proneness was positively associated with inspiration frequency and intensity. In Studies 2 and 3, the recollection of nostalgic (vs. ordinary) experiences increased both general inspiration and specific inspiration to engage in exploratory activities. In Study 4, serial mediational analyses supported a model in which Nostalgia increases social connectedness, which subsequently fosters self-esteem, which then boosts inspiration. In Study 5, a rigorous evaluation of this serial mediational model (with a novel Nostalgia induction controlling for positive affect) reinforced the idea that Nostalgia-elicited social connectedness increases self-esteem, which then heightens inspiration. Study 6 extended the serial mediational model by demonstrating that Nostalgia-evoked inspiration predicts goal pursuit (intentions to pursue an important goal). Nostalgia spawns inspiration via social connectedness and atte...
-
Nostalgia counteracts self discontinuity and restores self continuity
European Journal of Social Psychology, 2015Co-Authors: Constantine Sedikides, Tim Wildschut, Clay Routledge, Jamie ArndtAbstract:Nostalgia is a resource that functions, in part, as a response to self-discontinuity and a source of self-continuity. We tested and supported this regulatory role of Nostalgia in the tradition of establishing a causal chain. In Study 1, we examined the naturalistic association between events precipitating self-discontinuity and Nostalgia. Self-discontinuity, especially when stemming from negative life events, was associated with higher proneness to Nostalgia. In Study 2, we experimentally induced negative self-discontinuity (i.e. relatively disruptive), positive self-discontinuity (i.e. relatively non-disruptive) or self-continuity (i.e. neutral non-disruptiveness) and subsequently assessed state levels of Nostalgia. Only negative self-discontinuity evoked heightened Nostalgia. In Study 3, we experimentally induced Nostalgia (versus ordinary autobiographical recollection) and assessed selfcontinuity. Nostalgia augmented self-continuity. In Study 4, we experimentally induced Nostalgia (versus ordinary autobiographical recollection versus positive autobiographical recollection) and assessed self-continuity. Again, Nostalgia augmented self-continuity and did so above and beyond positive affect. Here, we ruled out demand characteristics as a rival hypothesis. Taken together, the findings clarify the role of Nostalgia in the dynamic between self-discontinuity and self-continuity and elucidate the restorative properties of Nostalgia for the self-system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
-
the mnemonic mover Nostalgia regulates avoidance and approach motivation
Emotion, 2014Co-Authors: Elena Stephan, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Xinyue Zhou, Wingyee Cheung, Clay Routledge, Ad J. J. M. VingerhoetsAbstract:In light of its role in maintaining psychological equanimity, we proposed that Nostalgia—a self-relevant, social, and predominantly positive emotion—regulates avoidance and approach motivation. We advanced a model in which (a) avoidance motivation triggers Nostalgia and (b) Nostalgia, in turn, increases approach motivation. As a result, Nostalgia counteracts the negative impact of avoidance motivation on approach motivation. Five methodologically diverse studies supported this regulatory model. Study 1 used a cross-sectional design and showed that avoidance motivation was positively associated with Nostalgia. Nostalgia, in turn, was positively associated with approach motivation. In Study 2, an experimental induction of avoidance motivation increased Nostalgia. Nostalgia then predicted increased approach motivation. Studies 3–5 tested the causal effect of Nostalgia on approach motivation and behavior. These studies demonstrated that experimental Nostalgia inductions strengthened approach motivation (Study 3) and approach behavior as manifested in reduced seating distance (Study 4) and increased helping (Study 5). The findings shed light on Nostalgia’s role in regulating the human motivation system.
Jacob Juhl - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
looking back to move forward Nostalgia as a psychological resource for promoting relationship goals and overcoming relationship challenges
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2015Co-Authors: Andrew A Abeyta, Clay Routledge, Jacob JuhlAbstract:Previous research has shown that Nostalgia is a highly social emotion that provides a sense of social connectedness. In the present research, we tested a social motivational function of Nostalgia. Specifically, across 7 studies we found converging evidence that Nostalgia mobilizes social goals. In Study 1, Nostalgia increased the importance people assigned to relationship goals and how optimistic they felt about achieving these goals. In Study 2, Nostalgia increased intentions to pursue goals of connecting with friends. In Study 3, experimentally induced pessimism about achieving relationship goals instigated Nostalgia. In Study 4, we found evidence that it is the interpersonal nature of Nostalgia that is associated with striving to connect with others. Specifically, Nostalgia about aspects of the past that were high in sociality was associated with intentions to interact with others, whereas Nostalgia for aspects of the past that were low in sociality was not. In Study 5, nostalgic reflection increased friendship-approach goal striving relative to reflecting on ordinary social memories, but did not increase friendship-avoidant goal striving. Finally, in Studies 6 and 7, we found evidence that social-efficacy mediated the effect of Nostalgia on striving to connect with others and striving to overcome interpersonal challenges. Together, these findings establish Nostalgia as catalyst for social goal pursuit and growth.
-
Nostalgia as a resource for psychological health and well being
Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 2013Co-Authors: Clay Routledge, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Jacob JuhlAbstract:Historically, Nostalgia has been viewed as a disease of the brain or the mind. However, in recent years, Nostalgia has received a conceptual rehabilitation due to a revival of scholarly interest accompanied by the use of contemporary empirical methods. Drawing upon this recent work, we propose that Nostalgia is an important resource for psychological health and well-being. We begin by detailing the characteristics of the nostalgic experience and then discuss a wide range of studies demonstrating that psychological threat triggers Nostalgia, Nostalgia enhances psychological health and well-being, and Nostalgia promotes adaptive psychological functioning among individuals at risk for poor mental health. We also highlight the need for future research on Nostalgia's relation to psychological health.
-
the power of the past Nostalgia as a meaning making resource
Memory, 2012Co-Authors: Clay Routledge, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Jacob Juhl, Jamie ArndtAbstract:In three experiments we tested whether Nostalgia bolsters meaning in life relative to two other modes of autobiographical thought: imagining a desired future experience and recalling a positive past experience. In Experiment 1 participants thought about a nostalgic or desired future experience and then completed a presence of meaning scale. Thinking about a nostalgic (compared to desired future) experience increased perceived presence of meaning. In Experiment 2 we examined whether Nostalgia can additionally reduce the search for meaning. Participants thought about a nostalgic, desired future or recent positive experience, and then completed a search for meaning scale. Nostalgia, relative to both comparison conditions, decreased the search for meaning. Finally we tested whether, by virtue of its capacity to increase meaning, Nostalgia can mitigate threats to meaning. In Experiment 3 participants were exposed to either absurd or representational art, under the guise that they would later have to interpret its meaning, and then thought about either a nostalgic or a recent positive experience. Meaning was subsequently measured. The absurd art interpretation condition decreased the perceived presence of meaning but nostalgic reflection attenuated this effect.
-
the past makes the present meaningful Nostalgia as an existential resource
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2011Co-Authors: Clay Routledge, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Ad J. J. M. Vingerhoets, Jamie Arndt, Jacob Juhl, Claire M Hart, Wolff SchlotzAbstract:The present research tested the proposition that Nostalgia serves an existential function by bolstering a sense of meaning in life. Study 1 found that Nostalgia was positively associated with a sense of meaning in life. Study 2 experimentally demonstrated that Nostalgia increases a sense of meaning in life. In both studies, the link between Nostalgia and increased meaning in life was mediated by feelings of social connectedness. Study 3 evidenced that threatened meaning increases Nostalgia. Study 4 illustrated that Nostalgia, in turn, reduces defensiveness following a meaning threat. Finally, Studies 5 and 6 showed that Nostalgia disrupts the link between meaning deficits and compromised psychological well-being. Collectively, these findings indicate that the provision of existential meaning is a pivotal function of Nostalgia.
-
fighting the future with the past Nostalgia buffers existential threat
Journal of Research in Personality, 2010Co-Authors: Jacob Juhl, Jamie Arndt, Constantine Sedikides, Clay Routledge, Tim WildschutAbstract:Three studies tested and supported the proposition that Nostalgia buffers existential threat. All studies measured Nostalgia proneness and manipulated death awareness (mortality salience; MS). In Study 1, at low, but not high, levels of Nostalgia proneness, participants in the MS condition responded less positively to an identity threat than participants in the control condition. In Study 2, at low, but not high, levels of Nostalgia proneness, participants in the MS condition evidenced greater levels of death anxiety than participants in the control condition. In Study 3, at high, but not low, levels of Nostalgia proneness, participants in the MS condition indicated greater feelings of state Nostalgia than participants in the control condition.
Jamie Arndt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Nostalgia fosters self continuity uncovering the mechanism social connectedness and consequence eudaimonic well being
Emotion, 2016Co-Authors: Constantine Sedikides, Tim Wildschut, Xinyue Zhou, Wingyee Cheung, Erica G Hepper, Jamie Arndt, Clay Routledge, Kenneth E Vail, Kenny Brackstone, Ad J. J. M. VingerhoetsAbstract:Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for one’s past, is an emotion that arises from self-relevant and social memories. Nostalgia functions, in part, to foster self-continuity, that is, a sense of connection between one’s past and one’s present. This article examined, in six experiments, how Nostalgia fosters self-continuity and the implications of that process for wellbeing. Nostalgia fosters self-continuity by augmenting social connectedness, that is, a sense of belongingness and acceptance (Experiments 1-4). Nostalgia-induced self-continuity, in turn, confers eudaimonic wellbeing, operationalized as subjective vitality (i.e., a feeling of aliveness and energy; Experiments 5-6). The findings clarify and expand the benefits of Nostalgia for both the self-system and psychological adjustment.
-
Nostalgia evoked inspiration mediating mechanisms and motivational implications
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2015Co-Authors: Elena Stephan, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Wingyee Cheung, Clay Routledge, Jamie ArndtAbstract:Six studies examined the Nostalgia–inspiration link and its motivational implications. In Study 1, Nostalgia proneness was positively associated with inspiration frequency and intensity. In Studies 2 and 3, the recollection of nostalgic (vs. ordinary) experiences increased both general inspiration and specific inspiration to engage in exploratory activities. In Study 4, serial mediational analyses supported a model in which Nostalgia increases social connectedness, which subsequently fosters self-esteem, which then boosts inspiration. In Study 5, a rigorous evaluation of this serial mediational model (with a novel Nostalgia induction controlling for positive affect) reinforced the idea that Nostalgia-elicited social connectedness increases self-esteem, which then heightens inspiration. Study 6 extended the serial mediational model by demonstrating that Nostalgia-evoked inspiration predicts goal pursuit (intentions to pursue an important goal). Nostalgia spawns inspiration via social connectedness and atte...
-
Nostalgia counteracts self discontinuity and restores self continuity
European Journal of Social Psychology, 2015Co-Authors: Constantine Sedikides, Tim Wildschut, Clay Routledge, Jamie ArndtAbstract:Nostalgia is a resource that functions, in part, as a response to self-discontinuity and a source of self-continuity. We tested and supported this regulatory role of Nostalgia in the tradition of establishing a causal chain. In Study 1, we examined the naturalistic association between events precipitating self-discontinuity and Nostalgia. Self-discontinuity, especially when stemming from negative life events, was associated with higher proneness to Nostalgia. In Study 2, we experimentally induced negative self-discontinuity (i.e. relatively disruptive), positive self-discontinuity (i.e. relatively non-disruptive) or self-continuity (i.e. neutral non-disruptiveness) and subsequently assessed state levels of Nostalgia. Only negative self-discontinuity evoked heightened Nostalgia. In Study 3, we experimentally induced Nostalgia (versus ordinary autobiographical recollection) and assessed selfcontinuity. Nostalgia augmented self-continuity. In Study 4, we experimentally induced Nostalgia (versus ordinary autobiographical recollection versus positive autobiographical recollection) and assessed self-continuity. Again, Nostalgia augmented self-continuity and did so above and beyond positive affect. Here, we ruled out demand characteristics as a rival hypothesis. Taken together, the findings clarify the role of Nostalgia in the dynamic between self-discontinuity and self-continuity and elucidate the restorative properties of Nostalgia for the self-system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
-
back to the future Nostalgia increases optimism
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2013Co-Authors: Wingyee Cheung, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Erica G Hepper, Jamie Arndt, Ad J. J. M. VingerhoetsAbstract: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.
-
the power of the past Nostalgia as a meaning making resource
Memory, 2012Co-Authors: Clay Routledge, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Jacob Juhl, Jamie ArndtAbstract:In three experiments we tested whether Nostalgia bolsters meaning in life relative to two other modes of autobiographical thought: imagining a desired future experience and recalling a positive past experience. In Experiment 1 participants thought about a nostalgic or desired future experience and then completed a presence of meaning scale. Thinking about a nostalgic (compared to desired future) experience increased perceived presence of meaning. In Experiment 2 we examined whether Nostalgia can additionally reduce the search for meaning. Participants thought about a nostalgic, desired future or recent positive experience, and then completed a search for meaning scale. Nostalgia, relative to both comparison conditions, decreased the search for meaning. Finally we tested whether, by virtue of its capacity to increase meaning, Nostalgia can mitigate threats to meaning. In Experiment 3 participants were exposed to either absurd or representational art, under the guise that they would later have to interpret its meaning, and then thought about either a nostalgic or a recent positive experience. Meaning was subsequently measured. The absurd art interpretation condition decreased the perceived presence of meaning but nostalgic reflection attenuated this effect.
