The impact of nostalgia on meaning is particularly important because meaning in life has great motivational power. After conducting dozens of studies using diverse methods ranging from qualitative text analysis, self-report surveys, and behavioral and neuroscientific experiments, my colleagues and I have concluded that nostalgia is best described as a self-regulatory existential resource that people naturally and frequently use to navigate stress and uncertainty and find the motivation needed to move forward with purpose and focus. These negative psychological states increase nostalgia because nostalgia is restorative. Common psychological triggers of nostalgia include feelings of sadness, loneliness, meaninglessness, uncertainty, and boredom. Nostalgia can be triggered by explicit reminders of the past, such as running into an old friend or hearing music from one’s youth, but people also often become nostalgic when they’re feeling down or distressed in some way. In other words, nostalgia is bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter. Critically, it tends to follow a redemptive sequence in which negative feelings such as longing and loss give way to positive feelings such as happiness, social connectedness, gratitude, and hope. It isn’t just a happy trip down memory lane - in fact, nostalgic reflection often involves both negative and positive emotional states. When people engage in nostalgia, they’re accessing personally meaningful autobiographical events typically shared with family, friends, and other close connections. Nostalgia Is a Psychological Resourceįirst, managers need to understand how nostalgia actually works.
Based on what I’ve learned, I believe managers can use the power of nostalgia to help their organizations thrive. I’ve been conducting research on the psychology of nostalgia for almost 20 years. However, a growing body of research reveals that it’s an important psychological resource that helps individuals cope with life’s stressors, build strong relationships, find and maintain meaning in life, and become more creative and inspired. They imagine that by keeping people focused on the past, nostalgia undermines innovation, creativity, and ultimately progress.įrom that perspective, there’s little reason for managers to view nostalgia as having value within their organizations. I’ve heard business analysts and leaders argue that, although nostalgia may help some companies sell consumers a range of products, it’s ultimately bad for business and the economy. Some view it as maladaptive fixation on the past, perhaps indicating a fear of change. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.Īs a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.Many people assume that nostalgia is purely entertainment, a feeling individuals enjoy because it takes them back to the more carefree days of their youth. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.īBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.īBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment.
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