The Relationship between Nostalgia and Self-Event Connection: Focus on Psychological Growth and Social Connectedness

Abstract

Nostalgia is considered to be a source of information about the self. Nostalgia gives a person the sense that his or her current and past self are similar, which results in the sense of self-continuity. Several studies have suggested a relationship between nostalgia and self-continuity, which is highlighted by “sameness.” However, little is known about the relationship between nostalgia and “Self-Event Connection (SEC),” which is featured by the sense of “change.” In this study, we investigated whether SEC was related to nostalgic memories. Moreover, “psychological growth” and “social connectedness” were considered as factors mediating between nostalgia and SEC. Results indicate two findings. First, events triggering nostalgia (nostalgic events) had a high SEC. Second, “psychological growth” mediated the relationship between nostalgic events and SEC. The limitations and future directions of this study are discussed.