Abstract
We conducted two studies to understand if reminiscing about early parts of a romantic relationship can increase positive affect and relationship satisfaction. In Study 1, we examined the psychometrics of an adapted relationship nostalgia measure, if relationship nostalgia changes positive affect, and if relationship nostalgia and relationship satisfaction are associated. In Study 2, we tested the longitudinal link between relationship nostalgia and relationship satisfaction. Rather than increasing positive affect, relationship nostalgia is associated with a movement toward emotional homeostasis. Additionally, relationship nostalgia is positively associated with relationship satisfaction at the same time point but in the short term, the association is negative—long term, this association disappears. Implications for using a relationship history in therapy are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 561-574 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Marital and Family Therapy |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Sociology and Political Science