CofC Professor Explores Nostalgia's Psychological, Social Benefits

^{Above: The foods and scents we associate with our childhoods can provide a meaningful source of comfort and connection. (zeljkosantrac/E+ via Getty Images)}

Chelsea Reid, associate professor of psychology, has published an article for The Conversation about the psychological and social benefits of nostalgia. As a social psychologist, Reid has researched nostalgia extensively – especially on the nostalgic power of scents and foods.

“Triggered by sensory stimuli such as music, scents and foods, nostalgia has the power to mentally transport us back in time,” she writes in the article, explaining that, in a study she conducted in 2011, she and her team exposed participants to various scents and asked them to rate how evocative of nostalgia each one was. “Those who experienced more nostalgia when smelling the scents experienced greater positive emotions, greater self-esteem, greater feelings of connection to their past selves, greater optimism, greater feelings of social connectedness and a greater sense that life is meaningful.”

In the article, Reid outlines the evolution of the concept of nostalgia, which was not always seen as a healthy experience. Later research, she explains, has found quite the opposite – it can even lead to better coping mechanisms, increased empathy and even charitable donations.

“Nostalgia provides us with an opportunity to reap numerous rewards,” the article concludes.

Read the complete article on The Conversation.