More Bitter Than Sweet: The Dark Side of Nostalgia for Life Prior to Sexual Assault

We explored whether nostalgia (i.e. sentimental longing) for life lived prior to sexual assault (SA) is associated with better or worse well-being. In Study 1 (N_T1 = 237; N_T2 = 134), a one-month prospective study, nostalgia was negatively associated with well-being at both timepoints (i.e. more PTSD symptoms and negative affect; less self-compassion, positive affect, and acceptance). These results held when controlling for searching and finding meaning in the SA. Additionally, decreased nostalgia over time predicted (reduced) PTSD symptoms. In Study 2 (N = 196; n_manip = 96, n_control = 100), participants manipulated to feel continuous with their pre-trauma self (compared to a control condition) reported less nostalgia and negative affect, and more positive affect, self-compassion, and acceptance compared to those in the control condition. Nostalgia mediated the relation between condition and measures of well-being. Results suggest that nostalgia's effect on well-being may depend on what people are nostalgic about.