Nostalgia, often described as a sentimental longing for the past, has evolved from being considered a medical condition to a complex emotional experience with significant psychological implications. Originally coined in the 17th century to describe severe homesickness, nostalgia is now recognized as a multifaceted emotion that can influence our well-being in various ways. 

“Psychologists used to refer to nostalgia by something called rosy retrospection,” AP Psychology teacher Mrs. Brandt said. “It comes from the expression of ‘Looking at the world through rose-colored glasses.’”

Psychological Functions of Nostalgia

Research indicates that nostalgia serves several psychological purposes. Dr. Krystine Batcho, a psychologist specializing in nostalgia, explains that it helps unify our sense of self over time, providing continuity in our identity. This unifying function is crucial as we navigate life’s changes and challenges.

Moreover, nostalgia has been found to counteract feelings of loneliness by enhancing perceptions of social support. In studies where participants were induced to feel nostalgic, they reported higher self-esteem and a greater sense of being loved and protected. This suggests that nostalgia can bolster psychological health by reinforcing our social bonds and self-worth. 

“We definitely know that there are mood-congruent memories,” Mrs. Brandt said. “So if you’re in a good or bad mood, you’re more likely to retrieve positive or negative memories accordingly.”

Triggers of Nostalgia

Nostalgia can be prompted by various stimuli, often involving sensory experiences. Common triggers include music and our sense of smell.

Music: Hearing a song from our past can instantly transport us back to a specific moment, evoking vivid memories and emotions. 

“If a certain song you like is associated in nostalgia with a particular set of events in your life, “ Mrs. Brandt said, “You will remember what time you heard the song and what you felt like during that moment. Music is like comfort food for your ears.”

Smell: Scents have a powerful connection to memory. For instance, the smell of autumn leaves or certain foods can elicit strong nostalgic feelings. 

“Smell has our best memory because smell bypasses the thalamus in our brain,” Mrs. Brandt said. “It goes directly to our olfactory bulbs and is processed much faster than other senses.”

Nostalgia’s Unique Emotional Profile

What sets nostalgia apart from other emotions is its bittersweet nature. While it often brings about happiness and warmth, there’s typically an underlying sense of loss or longing for a time that can no longer be revisited. This complex blend of positive and negative feelings makes nostalgia a uniquely rich emotional experience.

Furthermore, nostalgia is deeply personal and self-referential. It centers on our meaningful experiences, serving as a bridge between our past and present selves. This self-focused aspect distinguishes it from other emotions that may not involve such personal reflection.

“For many reasons, that might be healthy for us, because it’s putting a focus on the positive and helping us forget some of those negative events,” Mrs. Brandt said.

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion that has many triggers and unique characteristics, demonstrating how revisiting cherished memories contributes to our sense of identity and emotional well-being. Whether through a familiar song, a beloved scent or a treasured keepsake, moments of nostalgia offer a comforting connection to our past, enriching our present lives. 

However, like all emotions, nostalgia can have a negative connotation and effect on individuals.

1. Nostalgia Can Lead to Increased Loneliness and Sadness

Although nostalgia is often used as a coping mechanism against loneliness, it can also amplify feelings of isolation. A 2020 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin by Professor Newman and colleagues found that individuals who frequently experience nostalgia when feeling lonely may struggle to fully engage in present social interactions. Instead of fostering connection, nostalgia can sometimes serve as a reminder of past relationships or experiences that are no longer accessible, increasing emotional distress.

2. Nostalgia Can Distort Memories and Lead to Unrealistic Expectations

Nostalgia often idealizes the past, making it seem more positive than it actually was. Research by Wildschut et al. (2006) suggests that nostalgic memories tend to focus on emotionally significant and positive events while filtering out negative details. This selective memory can lead to dissatisfaction with the present and unrealistic expectations for the future. People may become disillusioned when they compare their current experiences to a romanticized past that never truly existed. 

“We are more likely to remember the good events, right, the good old days, not acknowledging that the world will be in constant change as it should be.” Mrs. Brandt said.

3. Nostalgia Can Promote Avoidance and Rumination

While nostalgia can provide temporary comfort, it may also prevent individuals from actively addressing current challenges. A study by Verplanken (2012) found that individuals prone to nostalgic thinking were also more likely to engage in rumination, a repetitive focus on past regrets or lost opportunities. This can contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety, as people dwell on what has been lost rather than focusing on what can be improved in the present. “Sometimes it’s good for our own protection to remember negative events,” Mrs. Brandt said. “So if we’re in a situation that’s dangerous, we should be able to remember that by using nostalgia as a protective mechanism.” 

4. Nostalgia Can Hinder Adaptability to Change

Nostalgia is often triggered by transitions, such as moving away from home, changing careers, or aging. However, excessive nostalgia can make it difficult for individuals to embrace change. Research by Baldwin & Landau (2014) suggests that people who rely heavily on nostalgia during times of transition may struggle with adaptability, as they focus more on recapturing past experiences rather than creating new ones.

5. Nostalgia Can Be Exploited for Manipulation

Companies and politicians have been known to exploit nostalgia to influence consumer behavior and public opinion. Marketers use nostalgic advertising to evoke sentimental emotions that make people more likely to buy products (Muehling & Sprott, 2004). In a political context, nostalgia has been used to promote the idea of a “better past” to gain public support for policies that may not be in people’s best interests (Eichengreen, 2018). This phenomenon is particularly evident in slogans such as “Make America Great Again,” which appeals to an idealized version of the past that may not reflect historical reality.