Is romantic nostalgia beneficial to relationship quality? Moderation by avoidance temperament

Abstract

Growing interest has emerged in understanding the function of romantic nostalgia in relationships. Given its bittersweet nature, romantic nostalgia may yield differential benefits depending on how it is assessed and who is experiencing it. It may have more benefits when assessed using methods capturing more of its positive features or for people with heightened sensitivity to positive stimuli (approach temperament). Conversely, it may yield fewer benefits when methods incorporate more of its bitter features or for those attuned to negative stimuli (avoidance temperament). We adapted a measure in a correlational study (Study 1) and an induction in an experimental study (Study 2) to examine the effects of romantic nostalgia on relationship quality, as well as emotional and motivational outcomes, and to explore the moderation of temperament. Results across studies showed a pattern supporting the influence of methodological differences on the seeming benefits of romantic nostalgia. Additionally, avoidance temperament moderated the association between romantic nostalgia and relationship quality in Study 1. Although the same moderation was not replicated in Study 2, a mediated moderation model emerged, indicating that romantic nostalgia heightened negative emotions for people high in avoidance temperament, which further undermined their relationship quality. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.