Nostalgia

Nostalgia is defined with variation these days. It was once considered a medical condition similar to homesickness. The word derives from the Greek “nostos” (return) and “algos” (pain), suggesting suffering due to a desire to return to a place of origin. But, lately nostalgia is considered to be an independent and even positive emotion that many people experience often. We all experience nostalgia sometimes – some fragrance reminds of a near and dear’s   scent; a tune on radio reminds of some happy moment in a party; a road reminds of a beautiful travel yes, it brings back happy memories. Nostalgia is said to have many functions, but those functions have not truly been defined or explicitly stated. Several research articles have determined some of these meanings of nostalgia: improved mood, increase social connectedness, enhanced self esteem, and increased confidence. Many nostalgic manifestations serve more than one function at a time, and overall seem to benefit those who experience them. As time and research has moved on, evidence suggests that, if used in moderation, nostalgia is good psychological medicine.

Nostalgia does have its painful side as well:  it’s a bittersweet emotion but the net effect is to make life seem more meaningful and death less frightening. When people speak thoughtfully of the past, they typically become more optimistic and inspired about the future. I suppose every experience has something to teach us. You will see so many people around you who loves to tell the stories of when they scored the final touchdown in that championship games; they like to talk about how they met their life partners; how they got their jobs; how their children were naughty so on and forth. Is that person you? Still digging in the past?

This is a subject many psychologists are thinking these days. Nostalgia, compared to control conditions, increases self-esteem as well as perceptions of meaning in life. By allowing people to revisit cherished life experiences, nostalgia boosts positive self-image and promotes the feeling that life is full of meaning and purpose. Nostalgia increases perceptions of social connectedness. Nostalgia is therefore good psychological medicine.

When people grow nostalgic, they become happier. For example, in the psychology session, when people are asked to reflect on experiences, objects, or songs from the past that they are nostalgic about, positive mood increases. This makes sense because when we analyze the content of people’s nostalgic episodes we find that they are mostly positive. In fact nostalgia is more than just a mood boost though. It also increases self-esteem and perceptions of meaning in life. This explains the championship game story phenomenon. Many nostalgic experiences are connected to personal accomplishments and momentous life events. Life is not a series  of one success after another. Our daily existence can often be tedious and sometimes depressing. Using nostalgia, we can inject some meaning and excitement into life. Nostalgia involves conjuring up the experiences that stick out as worthwhile and fulfilling.

Nostalgia fosters feelings of belongingness: Nostalgia isn’t just about the self. It is also about our relationships. When people engage in nostalgia, they feel more connected to others. For example, one study finds that most nostalgic episodes are social and having people engage in nostalgia makes them feel close to and loved by others. The past experiences, objects, movies, and music we love are often anchored in social contexts and thus remind us that we are able to form and maintain relationships and that people do care about us.

So when are we most nostalgic? Based on many researches, it’s observed that people turn to nostalgia in situations that cause negative mood, solitude, and meaninglessness. Nostalgia can be directly induced by providing consumers with products they are nostalgic for (e.g., 80s-inspired clothing, music, and toys). However, it is when we are psychologically vulnerable or threatened that we naturally turn to nostalgia.

So next time you feel a little down and alone, try nostalgia. Don’t be ashamed of your nostalgic instincts. Rewind your memories of school days, first love, championship, terror movie, and little fights, everything that brings a smile on your face. You are reaping the psychological rewards of being in touch with your past.