Diamonds and rust: The affective ambivalence of Nostalgia

Affective ambivalence is the simultaneous experience of oppositely valenced emotions, such as happiness and sadness. Historic writings on the valence of nostalgia have proposed that nostalgia can best be conceptualized as an ambivalent emotion. A growing body of research provides empirical evidence for this proposal. Here, I review and summarize this evidence that nostalgia is an ambivalent emotion, albeit more positive than negative. I end by discussing implications and future research directions.

Automated summary

Affective ambivalence refers to experiencing opposite emotions simultaneously. Nostalgia, according to historical writings, can be conceptualized as an ambivalent emotion. Empirical evidence supports the idea that nostalgia is an ambivalent emotion, although more positive than negative. Implications and future research directions are discussed.