Remembering the Good Times: The Influence of Relationship Nostalgia on Relationship Satisfaction Across Time

Allen B. Mallory, Chelsea M. Spencer, Jonathan G. Kimmes, Amanda M. Pollitt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)561-574
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy
Volume44
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science

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