Abstract
Six studies examined the nostalgia–inspiration link and its motivational implications. In Study 1, nostalgia proneness was positively associated with inspiration frequency and intensity. In Studies 2 and 3, the recollection of nostalgic (vs. ordinary) experiences increased both general inspiration and specific inspiration to engage in exploratory activities. In Study 4, serial mediational analyses supported a model in which nostalgia increases social connectedness, which subsequently fosters self-esteem, which then boosts inspiration. In Study 5, a rigorous evaluation of this serial mediational model (with a novel nostalgia induction controlling for positive affect) reinforced the idea that nostalgia-elicited social connectedness increases self-esteem, which then heightens inspiration. Study 6 extended the serial mediational model by demonstrating that nostalgia-evoked inspiration predicts goal pursuit (intentions to pursue an important goal). Nostalgia spawns inspiration via social connectedness and attendant self-esteem. In turn, nostalgia-evoked inspiration bolsters motivation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1395-1410 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 19 Oct 2015 |
Keywords
- inspiration
- motivation
- nostalgia
- self-esteem
- social connectedness
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Social Psychology