Nostalgia in America: The Power of Looking Back to Move Forward

Executive Summary

The term nostalgia was coined in 1688, but it has only been in the last quarter century that scholars have begun to systematically study this phenomenon and how the human tendency to longingly reflect on past experiences influences psychological functioning. Recent research has revealed that nostalgia is not merely a sentimental indulgence, but a powerful psychological resource. Nostalgic reflection gives people comfort when they are emotionally distressed and inspires them to make choices and pursue goals that improve their well-being. Nostalgic memories also serve as a guide when people are looking to make life changes that will help them achieve a greater sense of meaning.

Though psychologists and other researchers are discovering that nostalgia has many psychological benefits, a critical question remains: Do ordinary Americans view nostalgia as a psychological resource that can help them improve their lives? To explore this question, our team at the Human Flourishing Lab surveyed a nationally representative sample of just over 2,000 American adults about how they experience and use nostalgia. We also asked participants to share a nostalgic memory, some of which are included in this report.

KEY INSIGHTS

• Most Americans (73%) agree that their nostalgic memories are best characterized as social memories involving family, romantic partners, or close friends.

• Young adults are the most likely to characterize their nostalgic memories as non-social; nearly one-quarter of adults under 30 report that their nostalgic memories generally involve experiences in which they were alone or doing something by themselves.

• Most Americans (84%) agree that nostalgic memories serve as reminders of what is most important in their lives.

• Most Americans agree that when life is uncertain or difficult, nostalgic memories are a source of comfort (77%) and inspiration (72%).

• Nearly 60% of Americans believe that nostalgic memories offer guidance when they are not sure what direction to take in life.

• Older adults are more likely than younger adults to view nostalgic memories as reminders of what is most important in life and as sources of comfort, inspiration, and guidance. However, the majority of adults in every age group hold these beliefs about nostalgia.

INTRODUCTION

In popular culture, nostalgia is often treated as a sentiment primarily linked to consumer behavior and aesthetic preferences. Indeed, many people enjoy listening to music, watching movies and television programs, playing video games, eating food, and purchasing products reminiscent of their childhood and youth. However, nostalgia is much more than an attraction to retro-themed products, styles, and experiences. In fact, nostalgic entertainment often connects to a deeper quest for belonging and meaning.

In my forthcoming book, Past Forward: How Nostalgia Can Help You Live a More Meaningful Life, I explore the profound role that nostalgia plays in helping people navigate life’s uncertainties and challenges, leading to a more fulfilling existence. I also offer specific suggestions for harnessing the power of nostalgia to reduce mental distress, cultivate and strengthen relationships, identify and pursue meaning-providing goals, and live more intentionally.

I have spent more than two decades conducting research on nostalgia and collaborating with businesses and non-profit organizations looking to tap into its power to improve their products and services and to better connect with their employees, clients, and customers. During this time, I have come to view nostalgia as a future-oriented experience. Most people understandably think of nostalgia as a past-oriented experience because it involves thinking about the past. However, a growing body of research from the field of psychology and related social and behavioral sciences is revealing that nostalgic reflection energizes future-oriented goals and actions by focusing people’s minds on cherished experiences, typically shared with loved ones, that instill a sense of meaning in life.

Nostalgic reflection is especially useful when people are facing distressing mental states such as sadness, loneliness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and meaninglessness. These mental states are not only unpleasant to experience, but they can also be demotivating, leading individuals to withdraw from other people and the aspirations and activities that help them, their families, and their communities thrive. Nostalgic reflection reminds them that even though they are currently going through a challenging time, life is much bigger than their present difficulties, and it is full of meaning-providing experiences. This has the effect of restoring well-being and inspiring a hopeful mindset. For example, studies find that loneliness triggers nostalgia; nostalgic reflection serves as a reminder of previous socially fulfilling experiences, which makes individuals feel more socially connected, competent, and motivated to restore or strengthen existing social bonds or cultivate new relationships.

Moreover, when individuals are struggling to make important life decisions or are looking to make changes to improve their lives, their nostalgic memories offer critical clues for forging a path forward. To determine what choices to make and goals to prioritize, it is very helpful to look to one’s most meaningful memories for guidance.

Psychologists and other researchers are using the tools of cognitive, behavioral, and social science to discover the many ways in which nostalgia serves as a powerful psychological resource. However, the extent to which the general public views nostalgia as a resource they can use to better their lives remains unknown. Do Americans know that their nostalgic memories can illuminate what is most important in their lives, offer solace and inspiration in challenging times, and provide direction when they feel lost? To find out, our team at the Human Flourishing Lab surveyed a nationally representative sample of just over 2,000 American adults about how they experience and utilize nostalgia.

Just today watching Family Guy: The episode referenced the ‘90s, and I thought about growing up in the ‘90s—the clothing we wore, the hairstyles, and the fun days spent as a kid outdoors with no electronics.
Watching the show took me back to those days. – Male | Age 33

THE CONTENT OF NOSTALGIC MEMORIES

Research finds that nostalgic memories are deeply social memories. They typically involve close relationships such as family, romantic partners, or friends. In the current survey, we asked participants to select one of three themes that best captures the general nature of their nostalgic memories. This allowed us to further explore the social nature of nostalgia and to examine if the general content of people’s nostalgic memories relates to their views of nostalgia as a psychological resource.

For nearly three-fourths of Americans, nostalgic memories are about relationships with family, romantic partners, and close friends. And when nostalgia isn’t about close relationships, it is more likely to involve solitary experiences than social experiences involving strangers or casual acquaintances. We also explored how age and gender potentially influence nostalgia themes among American adults. Age is especially important to consider because of its natural association with the accumulation of life experiences. Not only do people have more total life experiences to draw from as they get older, but they also have more diverse life experiences.

There are some differences across age and gender. Older adults and women are the most likely to characterize their nostalgic memories as being about family, romantic partners, and close friends. Most notably, nearly one-quarter of adults under 30 characterize their nostalgic memories as generally involving experiences in which they are alone, compared to 12 percent of adults 60 and older. However, for most men and women, regardless of age, nostalgic memories feature loved ones.

NOSTALGIA AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCE

A growing body of research indicates that nostalgia is a vital psychological resource for human flourishing. Distressing mental states such as sadness, loneliness, and low self-esteem increase nostalgia, while nostalgic reflection increases positive mood, feelings of social connectedness, self-esteem, and other indicators of psychological well-being. Moreover, studies find that nostalgia has motivational power. It makes people feel more energized, confident, and inspired to pursue life goals.

Though researchers have discovered that nostalgia has many psychological benefits, it is unclear if the public understands the many ways that nostalgia helps them flourish. In popular culture, nostalgia is often treated as a form of escapist entertainment. Consumer trends clearly indicate that Americans have a strong appetite for nostalgia-themed products, services, experiences, and media content. But do Americans have a deeper appreciation of nostalgia as a well-being and motivational resource?

To examine this, survey participants were asked to report their agreement with a series of statements regarding how they use nostalgia in their own lives. First, do Americans believe that nostalgia reminds them of what is most important in their lives?