JOURNAL ARTICLE

Romantic nostalgia: A positive experience benefiting relationships.

  • Published In: Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology, 2026, v. 45, n. 2. P. 120 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Reid, Chelsea A.; Kaup, Rachel E.; White, Elana C. 3 of 3

Abstract

Introduction: In two studies, we examined the benefits of romantic nostalgia, a sentimental longing for treasured moments in a romantic relationship. Methods: Study 1 participants reported their romantic nostalgia, relationship satisfaction, positive affect, and affective attraction toward their partner. Study 2 participants recalled and wrote about a nostalgic or ordinary event in their romantic relationships and reported their relationship satisfaction, positive affect, and affective attraction. Results: Romantic nostalgia was positively linked to outcomes in both the correlational (Study 1) and experimental (Study 2) studies. Discussion: Our research supports that romantic nostalgia is a positive experience that, whether occurring naturally or induced as an intervention, benefits individuals in their romantic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology. 2026/04, Vol. 45, Issue 2, p120
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0736-7236
  • DOI:10.1521/jscp.2026.45.2.120
  • Accession Number:193319237
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology is the property of Guilford Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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