Representations of autobiographical nostalgic memories: generational effect, gender, nostalgia proneness and communication of nostalgic experiences

The purpose of this study was to examine the content of autobiographical nostalgic memories, the reasons for their recollection and the elicited emotions. Furthermore, this study aimed to show how specific groups generate different representations of nostalgic memories. A total of 244 men and women (young, adults and older people) participated in the study by answering open-ended and closed-ended questions about autobiographical nostalgia. Findings showed that nostalgic experiences related to significant “others”, life periods, leisure, places, and the loss of loved persons. The reasons of nostalgia were associated with good memories and pleasant times, with the desire for revival of the past, carefreeness, but also with the need to cope with loss, death and missed situations. Nostalgia also appeared to be related to both positive and negative emotions. Variations were found across generations. Older people seemed to be more prone to nostalgia and communicated their nostalgic experiences more often than younger individuals. Older people anchored their nostalgia in significant “others” who have passed away, while younger people turned to important personal life periods and leisure activities. Gender differences were detected within older generations. Adult and older aged females were more prone to nostalgia. They were sensitive in absence and in death of family members (parents, grandparents, spouses) experiencing bitter sweet emotions