- No Chill
- Posts
- Why We Love Nostalgia
Why We Love Nostalgia
The Real Reasons
What is Nostalgia?
This is a newsletter about a time that many of us think was better than the present. A time when things were simpler and life was easier. Perhaps some of us long for the past.
This edition is about the science behind nostalgia. Before we get into the details, let's define nostalgia.
Nostalgia- a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
The Science
I used THIS article for my information and want to make sure that it get the credit that it deserves.
From a study completed in September 2022, scientists discovered that having nostalgia correlates to how authentic one feels about himself. The more we long for the past, the more that we can be "ourselves" and feel good about it!
This study wasn't just from a single country. Those countries included in the study were the United States, China, and the United Kingdom.
The Study
For years, scientists have been looking into ways to improve the psychological well-being (PWB) of people. Previous studies have related nostalgia to improved PWB but no one could seem to answer the "why" behind it.
To find answers, researches conducted four separate studies. There were a total of 2423 participants aged 18-78, approximately 50% were American, 33% Chinese, and 17% British.
The Results
Can't you just tell me what the study found?! I'll spare you the details but encourage you to check out the original article (linked above) to read more.
"Their results found authenticity, induced with nostalgia, resulted in significant increases in all measured components of psychological well-being (social relationships, vitality, competence, meaning of life, optimism, and subjective well-being)."
What Does This Mean?
To me, it means that it's totally acceptable to long for some things in the past. Regardless of generation, you likely relate experiences and things from your childhood to a simpler time, maybe even a happier time.
BUT
Don't be so nostalgic that you miss out on what's in front of you. We should still be present with those around us but it's okay (and maybe healthy) to miss song things from the past.
As always, the struggle is real, but you got this!