How does nostalgia conduce to global self-continuity?: The roles of identity narrative, associative links, and stability

Hong, Emily K., Sedikides, Constantine and Wildschut, Tim (2021) How does nostalgia conduce to global self-continuity?: The roles of identity narrative, associative links, and stability. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 48 (5), 735 - 749. (doi:10.1177/01461672211024889).

Record type: Article

Abstract

In five studies (N = 1,074), we examined the relation—both correlational and causal—between nostalgia, a sentimental longing for one’s past, and global self-continuity (GSC), a sense of connection among past, present, and future selves. Further, we addressed mechanisms underlying this relation. We asked, in particular, whether nostalgic individuals might achieve GSC by constructing a narrative to give meaning to life transitions (narrative), connecting to the past (associative links), or believing in a self that is resistant to change (stability). Nostalgia predicted (Studies 1-3) and caused (Studies 4-5) GSC. The relation between nostalgia and GSC was consistently mediated by narrative, sporadically mediated by associative links, and unmediated by stability. The robust indirect effect via narrative remained significant when controlling for rumination (Study 3). We discuss theoretical and practical implications.

Text

01461672211024889 (1) - Version of Record

Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (193kB)

Text

Hong, Sedikides, & Wildschut, 2021, PSPB

Available under License University of Southampton Accepted Manuscript Licence.

Download (1MB)