One of the essences of human being is that we are aware of ourselves in time. We do not only look ahead either with fear or pleasant anticipation, but also like to talk about the “good old days”. Nostalgia - which can be regarded as a sentimental longing for the past – has especially recently become an ubiquitous topic in society and media (see TV-Shows like „Die 80er Show“ and „Happy Days“). However it is unclear whether nostalgia is finally rather adaptive or maladaptive.
Since its first scientific mentioning in the 17th century nostalgia has been regarded to be a burden or even a clinical disease as it might make people ruminate about better times forlorn or get lost in the past without being able to deal with the present anymore. However recently some psychologists have started suggesting that nostalgia might rather give joy to life.
Yet the issue whether nostalgia is rather a problem or a pleasure has rarely been studied empirically so far. Therefore this book tries to shed some more light on the issue by reporting the results of an empirical study with a representative sample consisting of 160 German citizens.
In line with the historical negative conception of nostalgia and in contrast to its current positive connotation the data show that nostalgia is negatively correlated with life satisfaction. Theoretical implications for possible mediators between nostalgia and life satisfaction are drawn. Furthermore character-traits of highly nostalgic people are observed.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Theoretical and Empirical Background
- From homesickness to "The 80s show" – The history of nostalgia
- Bitter or sweet? Proposed negative and positive correlates of nostalgia
- How to measure nostalgia as a character trait?
- The older the more nostalgic? Age, gender and education
- Neurotic & introverted or creative & convivial? What are nostalgic people like?
- The current study
- Method
- Results
- Discussion
- Summary of results
- Limitations
- Asset or curse? Why differentiations might be necessary to answer this question
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to investigate the multifaceted nature of nostalgia, challenging the predominantly positive view often associated with it. It explores the historical evolution of the concept of nostalgia and examines its potential correlations with both positive and negative aspects of well-being. The study delves into the methodologies used to measure nostalgia and explores the relationships between nostalgia and demographic factors like age, gender, and education. Finally, it investigates the personality traits associated with high levels of nostalgia.
- The historical evolution and changing meanings of nostalgia.
- The examination of the positive and negative correlations associated with nostalgia.
- The exploration of methods for measuring nostalgia as a personality trait.
- The investigation of the relationship between nostalgia and demographic variables.
- The analysis of personality characteristics associated with high levels of nostalgia.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central research question surrounding the ambivalent nature of nostalgia. It highlights the ongoing debate regarding whether nostalgia is primarily a positive or negative emotion, referencing historical perspectives and contrasting views. The chapter lays out the study’s objectives, outlining its intent to examine the various facets of nostalgia and its correlations with other psychological and demographic factors. It emphasizes the lack of a comprehensive understanding of nostalgia's complex nature and introduces the study's approach to address this gap in knowledge, hinting at findings that may challenge the currently prevailing positive view of nostalgia.
Theoretical and Empirical Background: This chapter provides a thorough review of the existing literature on nostalgia. It traces the historical development of the term "nostalgia," from its initial association with a physical illness to its more recent interpretations as a coping mechanism or positive emotion. The chapter examines various theoretical perspectives on the causes and consequences of nostalgia, considering the roles of past experiences, present dissatisfaction, and future anxieties. It critically analyzes studies examining the positive and negative correlates of nostalgia and discusses different approaches and instruments used to measure it. Additionally, it explores the potential relationships between nostalgia and demographic variables such as age, gender, and education, laying the groundwork for the research presented later in the study.
Keywords
Nostalgia, homesickness, positive and negative correlations, personality traits, measurement scales, age, gender, education, coping mechanism, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, emotional ambivalence.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis investigates the multifaceted nature of nostalgia, challenging the predominantly positive view often associated with it. It explores the historical evolution of nostalgia, its correlations with both positive and negative aspects of well-being, methodologies for measuring nostalgia, and its relationships with demographic factors and personality traits.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include: the historical evolution and changing meanings of nostalgia; the examination of positive and negative correlations with nostalgia; methods for measuring nostalgia as a personality trait; the relationship between nostalgia and demographic variables (age, gender, education); and the analysis of personality characteristics associated with high levels of nostalgia.
What is covered in the "Theoretical and Empirical Background" chapter?
This chapter provides a thorough literature review on nostalgia, tracing its historical development and examining various theoretical perspectives on its causes and consequences. It analyzes studies exploring positive and negative correlations with nostalgia, discusses measurement approaches, and explores the relationships between nostalgia and demographic variables.
What does the chapter on "The current study" cover?
This section details the methodology and results of the author's own research on nostalgia. Specific details on the methods used and the findings obtained are presented here.
What are the main findings or conclusions of the study (as hinted at in the preview)?
While specific results aren't detailed, the preview suggests the study may challenge the prevailing positive view of nostalgia by exploring its potential negative correlations and complexities.
What are the limitations of the study (as mentioned in the preview)?
The preview mentions that limitations of the study are discussed, but doesn't specify what those limitations are.
What keywords are associated with this thesis?
Keywords include: Nostalgia, homesickness, positive and negative correlations, personality traits, measurement scales, age, gender, education, coping mechanism, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, emotional ambivalence.
What is the purpose of the "Asset or curse?" chapter?
This chapter likely discusses the need for further differentiation in understanding nostalgia, acknowledging its potential for both positive and negative impacts and highlighting the complexities that require deeper investigation.
What types of resources are included in this preview?
This preview offers a comprehensive overview including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
- Quote paper
- Vanessa Köneke (Author), 2010, Nostalgia - More bitter than sweet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/173892
