Watan-A new study suggests that nostalgia may have positive effects on health and well-being.
According to researchers from the University of Buffalo in the U.S. and Kyoto University in Japan, people who frequently experience nostalgia tend to have more close friends and are better at maintaining these relationships compared to those who feel nostalgic less often. This, in turn, may improve overall health and well-being.
The study, which involved nearly 1,500 participants, asked individuals questions such as:
- How often do you feel nostalgic?
- How important is recalling past memories to you?
- To what extent do you reminisce about the past?
Nostalgia: A Powerful Tool for Mental Well-Being
Participants were also questioned about their social relationships, the closeness of their friendships, and their efforts in forming new connections.
Results revealed that nostalgia plays a key role in maintaining social bonds and even encourages people to form new friendships. Researchers noted that this, in turn, has a direct positive impact on mental and emotional well-being.
Additionally, the study found that the tendency to experience nostalgia increases with age.
Published in the journal Cognition and Emotion, the study concluded:”Recalling happy memories helps individuals recognize the significance of close relationships and motivates them to nurture them.”
Previous research has also linked nostalgia to feelings of love, trust, happiness, and gratitude, emphasizing its role in reducing loneliness and alleviating symptoms of depression.
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