Psychology Commons^™

The Love Is Not Lost: The Reparative Function Of Romantic Nostalgia, Nicholas Daniel Evans

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recent research has found that experiencing romantic nostalgia (i.e. nostalgia specific to one's romantic partner or relationship) can serve several emotional and experiential benefits to romantic relationships. Yet, research within this domain is still limited-specifically, how nostalgia can improve relationships during turmoil or conflict. Thus, in two studies, the current project investigates the reparative benefits of romantic nostalgia when experienced in the context of relationship turmoil. Study 1 (N = 245) investigated the links between trait romantic nostalgia, the conflict compromise style, and positive relationship experiences: closeness, commitment, and relationship satisfaction. Romantic nostalgia was positively linked to all three relationship …