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Nostalgia and Heroism: Theoretical Convergence of Memory, Motivation, and Function
Scott T Allison1, Jeffrey D Green2
1Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States.
Frontiers in Psychology
|January 11, 2021
Summary
This study explores the connections between nostalgia and heroism, finding that our memories of heroes are often nostalgic and that both concepts serve similar psychological functions. Future research can explore how heroism fuels nostalgia and vice versa.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Nostalgia and heroism are distinct psychological phenomena.
- Understanding their interrelations can offer new insights into human motivation and self-perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish theoretical convergences between the science of nostalgia and the science of heroism.
- To explore the conceptual relationship between these two phenomena through multiple approaches.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of scholarly and lay definitions of nostalgia and heroism.
- Review of existing research on nostalgia and heroism, focusing on shared themes.
- Identification of functional, inspirational, social, and motivational linkages.
Main Results:
- Nostalgic experiences often involve reminiscences of personal or cultural heroism.
- Recall of heroes and heroism is frequently tinged with nostalgia.
- Both nostalgia and heroism research highlight similar functions related to self, existential concerns, goal pursuit, and sociality.
Conclusions:
- Nostalgia and heroism are conceptually linked and share functional similarities.
- Proposes future research directions on the reciprocal influence between heroism and nostalgia.
- Suggests investigating the role of nostalgia in promoting heroic action and wisdom.
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