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Trajectory of Nostalgia in Emerging Adulthood
Yuqi Wang1, Tim Wildschut2, Constantine Sedikides2
1Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|January 5, 2023
Summary
Nostalgia in emerging adulthood shows moderate stability, declining over university years. Negative life events influence initial levels and trajectory, with nostalgia intensifying during stressful periods.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period characterized by significant life transitions.
- Understanding the dynamics of emotions like nostalgia during this phase is crucial for psychological well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the change and stability of nostalgia among emerging adults.
- To identify factors influencing nostalgia trajectories during the university years.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study following 327 university students over four years with six assessments.
- Employed Trait-State-Occasion model and longitudinal multilevel analysis.
Main Results:
- Nostalgia exhibited moderate rank stability (r = .25–.79) across the study period.
- Stable trait, slowing-change trait, and state components explained significant variation in nostalgia.
- Mean nostalgia levels declined across university years, but intensified with more negative life events.
Conclusions:
- Nostalgia in emerging adulthood is moderately stable but dynamic.
- Negative life events significantly shape nostalgia's trajectory, influencing its initial intensity and rate of decline.
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