A prologue to nostalgia: savouring creates nostalgic memories that foster optimism

Abstract

How are nostalgic memories created? We considered savouring as one process involved in the genesis of nostalgia. Whereas nostalgia refers to an emotional reflection upon past experiences, savouring is a process in which individuals deeply attend to and consciously capture a present experience for subsequent reflection. Thus, having savoured an experience may increase the likelihood that it will later be reflected upon nostalgically. Additionally, to examine how cognitive and emotional processes are linked across time, we tested whether nostalgia for a previously savoured experience predicts optimism for the future. Retrospective reports of having savoured a positive event were associated with greater nostalgia for the event (Study 1). Retrospective reports of savouring a time period (college) were associated with greater nostalgia for that time period when participants were in a setting (alumni reunion event) that prompted thoughts of the time period (Study 2). Savouring an experience predicted nostalgia for the experience 4-9 months later (Study 3). Additionally, nostalgia was associated with greater optimism (Studies 2-3). Thus, savouring provides a foundation for nostalgic memories and an ensuing optimism.

Does neuroticism disrupt the psychological benefits of nostalgia? a meta-analytic test

“…Experimental evidence reveals that nostalgia serves three vital intrapersonal and interpersonal functions (Sedikides, Wildschut, Routledge, & Arndt, 2015). First, nostalgia fulfils a self‐oriented function by augmenting self‐esteem (Hepper, Ritchie, Sedikides, & Wildschut, 2012; Wildschut et al., 2006), boosting optimism (Biskas et al., 2019; Cheung et al., 2013), and facilitating psychological growth and authenticity (Baldwin, Biernat, & Landau, 2015; Baldwin & Landau, 2014; Stephan et al., 2012). Second, nostalgia serves an existential function, as it sustains perceptions of meaning in life (Routledge et al., 2011; Routledge, Wildschut, Sedikides, Juhl, & Arndt, 2012; Sedikides & Wildschut, 2018; Van Tilburg, Igou, & Sedikides, 2013) and instils self‐continuity (i.e.…”

Finding Meaning in Nostalgia

“…People report engaging in anticipatory nostalgia (Batcho & Shikh, 2016; Cheung et al, 2017), especially for positive and personally relevant life experiences (Cheung et al, 2017). Anticipatory nostalgia is associated with savoring (Cheung et al, 2017), which is directly linked to the formation of nostalgic memories (Biskas et al, 2017). Further, anticipatory nostalgia (about one's university) ahead of a life transition (i.e., graduation) predicts nostalgia about one's university life as well as self-esteem and social connectedness months later.…”

The Ties That Bind: University Nostalgia Fosters Relational and Collective University Engagement

“…College is replete with the cherished social connections and momentous events that form the wellspring of nostalgic memories (Holak and Havlena, 1992;Wildschut et al, 2006;Madoglou et al, 2017). The university experience is for most a time to explore novel ideas, form numerous close relationships, and try new activities, all of which can be fodder for future nostalgia via "anticipated nostalgia" (Cheung et al, 2020) and savoring (Biskas et al, 2019). United States universities in particular may foster powerful memories for individuals who move away to college, live in a quintessential college town, or embrace an active college sports culture.…”