Can Good Memories of the Past Instill Happiness? Nostalgia Improves Subjective Well-Being by Increasing Gratitude

Bin Li (), Qin Zhu, Aimei Li () and Rubo Cui
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Bin Li: Jinan University
Qin Zhu: Jinan University
Aimei Li: Jinan University
Rubo Cui: Jinan University

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2023, vol. 24, issue 2, No 13, 699-715

Abstract: Abstract The positive effect of nostalgia provides an effective way to improve subjective well-being. However, there is little research on the relationship between nostalgia and subjective well-being, especially the mechanism of this link. This study tested the positive effects of nostalgia on emotional well-being (positive affect and negative affect) and cognitive well-being (satisfaction with life) via gratitude. Two experiments were conducted in samples of young adults who were randomized to experimental or control conditions. The analyses involved group comparisons as well as regression-based analyses of mediation. In Experiment 1 (N = 196), we induced nostalgia using a guided autobiographical recall procedure. The nostalgia group had higher positive affect and gratitude, and gratitude partially mediated the association between nostalgia and positive affect. In Experiment 2 (N = 102), we induced nostalgia by showing a nostalgic video from the period when the participants were children. The nostalgia group had higher positive affect and lower negative affect, and gratitude partially mediated these associations. The findings suggest that nostalgia could improve emotional well-being by increasing gratitude, but may not alter cognitive well-being.

Keywords: Nostalgia; Subjective well-being; Gratitude; Emotional well-being; Cognitive well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00616-0

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