Nostalgia and protection of psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

Wildschut, Tim and Sedikides, Constantine (2021) Nostalgia and protection of psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. In, Miller, Monica (ed.) The social science of the COVID-19 pandemic: a call to action for researchers. Cambridge, UK. Cambridge University Press. (In Press)

Record type: Book Section

Abstract

We propose that the emotion of nostalgia (a sentimental longing for one’s past), by acting as a balancing feedback mechanism, counteracts negative states likely to be induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first tenet of this regulatory model of nostalgia proposes that the emotion is triggered by negative states. In support, we review evidence that two negative states elicited by the pandemic—boredom and loneliness—undermine psychological adjustment, but also increase nostalgia. The second tenet of the regulatory model proposes that nostalgia, in turn, counteracts adversity by serving a number of key psychological functions. We review supporting evidence for nostalgia’s capacity to strengthen meaning in life (countering boredom) and social connectedness (countering loneliness). By fostering psychological adjustment, nostalgia absorbs the detrimental impact of pandemic-induced distress and maintains homeostasis. As such, nostalgia contributes to preventing downward spirals of declining mental health during the pandemic. Lessons learned and future research ideas are offered.

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Wildschut and Sedikides Nostalgia Well-being

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