Abstract
In two studies, we examined the association between nostalgia proneness (i.e., trait-level nostalgia) and importance of the collective self. In Study 1, we tested and supported the hypothesis that nostalgia proneness is positively correlated with relational collectivism, which entails an emphasis on one’s connections with close others and small social networks. In Study 2, we demonstrated that nostalgia proneness is also positively correlated with group collectivism, which emphasizes one’s membership in more abstract, larger social groups or categories, and was reflected in increased identification with a national ingroup. These findings offer insight into the nature of nostalgia proneness—a consequential and stable personality trait.
Highlights
Nostalgia, “a sentimental longing ... for the past” (Pearsall, 1998, p. 1266), is an ambivalent, albeit predominantly positive, and social emotion (Hepper et al, 2012a; Sedikides and Wildschut, 2016; for historical overviews, see Batcho, 2013; De Diego and Ots, 2014)
In Study 1, we examined the association of nostalgia proneness with relational collectivism
ConclusionSummary of FindingsExtant evidence has tied nostalgia proneness to a stronger preference for engaging in activities with others (Batcho, 1998), increased empathy (Cheung et al, 2017a; Juhl et al, 2020; Newman et al, 2020), and greater emphasis on intimacy maintenance versus bitterness revival (Cheung et al, 2018).Nostalgia proneness (SNS) 0.53*** proneness (NI)Group-level self-definition 0.23** 0.17* Group-level 0.21** 0.27***
Summary
“a sentimental longing ... for the past” (Pearsall, 1998, p. 1266), is an ambivalent, albeit predominantly positive, and social emotion (Hepper et al, 2012a; Sedikides and Wildschut, 2016; for historical overviews, see Batcho, 2013; De Diego and Ots, 2014). 1266), is an ambivalent, albeit predominantly positive, and social emotion (Hepper et al, 2012a; Sedikides and Wildschut, 2016; for historical overviews, see Batcho, 2013; De Diego and Ots, 2014). When people nostalgize, they feel connected with others in a way that enhances their perceptions of belongingness and acceptance (Sedikides et al, 2015, 2016; Abakoumkin et al, 2019). Nostalgia makes one feel loved, supported, and efficacious in social relations (Zhou et al, 2008; Wildschut et al, 2010). We focus on the role of trait-level nostalgia (i.e., nostalgia proneness; Sedikides et al, 2004; Wildschut and Sedikides, in press)
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