A positive psychology perspective of nostalgia

A positive psychology perspective of nostalgia

I have, for some time now, talked about a concept I have (which I’ve found can boost happiness) which I call “positive reminiscing”.

I was happy and pleasantly surprised, therefore, to come across this article in which the positive psychology of nostalgia was discussed.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, nostalgia was viewed as a medical disease, complete with symptoms including weeping, irregular heartbeat and anorexia. By the 20th century, nostalgia was regarded as a psychiatric disorder, with symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and depression and was confined to a few groups (e.g. first year boarding students and immigrants).

Only recently have psychologists begun focusing on the positive and potentially therapeutic aspects of nostalgia, report University of Southampton psychologist Constantine Sedikides and his colleagues in Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

To read more, and to find happiness in your past – click here