Analgesics effect of nostalgia: good memories of the past makes you feel less pain

Bin Li (), Hongyu Ma () and Yingxin Huo
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Bin Li: Jinan University
Hongyu Ma: Central China Normal University
Yingxin Huo: Jinan University

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Psychological pain is a distressing experience that individuals often seek to alleviate through various strategies, such as social support or financial resources. In this study, we propose that nostalgia, the sentimental longing for the past, can serve as a psychological resource to buffer against psychological pain when external resources are not available. Three studies were conducted to investigate the role of nostalgia in alleviating psychological pain. Study 1 revealed that nostalgia buffered the psychological pain resulting from social exclusion. Study 2 provided evidence of nostalgia’s buffering effect on psychological pain stemming from empathy for others’ pain. Study 3 demonstrated that nostalgic reflection improved individuals’ pain threshold and increased pain tolerance. These findings suggest that nostalgia can serve as a substitute for analgesics in alleviating psychological pain. Further research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms through which nostalgia exerts its buffering effect on psychological pain. Understanding the role of nostalgia in pain relief has implications for interventions and strategies aimed at promoting psychological well-being and resilience.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04408-8

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