In this study, the cognitive-affective aspects and function of nostalgia were examined, based on individual differences and age-related changes. In Study 1A, the participants rated the centrality of features of nostalgia and natsukashisa (Japanese word for nostalgia), which were classified as central (i.e., autobiographical memory and positive emotion) or peripheral (i.e., negative and mixed emotion). In Study 1B, we developed the Positive–Negative Nostalgia Proneness Scale, based on the positive-negative features of nostalgia. The results showed that negative nostalgia proneness decreased with age; however, positive nostalgia proneness increased with age. In Study 2, negative nostalgia proneness was correlated with rumination and loneliness. Positive nostalgia proneness was correlated with happiness and nostalgia triggers (e.g., people/place and media), which increase with age. In Study 3, the presentation of nostalgic pictures increased familiarity and positive nostalgia proneness, and subsequently increased perceived social support and life satisfaction. In Study 4, positive nostalgia proneness affected the positive functions of nostalgia, and subsequently affected life satisfaction. These positive functions of nostalgia increased with age. These age-related changes are consistent with the socioemotional selectivity theory. We discuss potential future research addressing mere-exposure effects, autobiographical memory, cross-cultural, and aging studies.
