Nostalgia Across the Lifespan: Thematic Patterns and Their Implications for Well-Being
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ID: 318932
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Objectives This study examines the age-related differences in the thematic content of nostalgia and its association with well-being. We hypothesized that older adults show greater propensity for themes satisfying socioemotional needs, such as familial belonging and emotional security. Methods Study 1 (N = 996) used a cross-sectional survey to map the propensity for various nostalgic themes across age groups and their association with subjective well-being. Study 2 (N = 913) used an experimental recall paradigm combined with structural topic modeling to quantify the psychological benefits derived from reflecting on distinct nostalgic targets. Results Study 1 showed that older adults reported greater propensity for nostalgia centered on enduring familial ties (Home) and communal pasts (Emotional Security), while nostalgia for Leisure and Media was highest among middle-aged adults. Importantly, only Home-based nostalgia was consistently associated with higher subjective well-being across age groups. Study 2 demonstrated that reflecting on nostalgia events centering on Home and Emotional Security elicited more psychological benefits. Topic modeling showed that the benefits of Home-based nostalgia stem from associations with family rituals (e.g., family gatherings, Christmas) and cherished family members (e.g., grandparents). Discussion These findings demonstrate that nostalgia is a multifaceted emotion whose thematic targets differ across age groups. We highlight the age-related variation in nostalgia experiences and how they serve socioemotional needs to maintain well-being.
| Reference Key |
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| Authors | Kuan‐Ju Huang, Ya-Hui Chang, Raphael Uricher, Yen-Ping Chang |
| Journal | the journals of gerontology series b, psychological sciences and social sciences |
| Year | 2026 |
| DOI |
10.1093/geronb/gbag112
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| URL | |
| Keywords | Keywords not found |
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