Autobiographical Memory and Its Role in Shaping Nostalgic Memory

Nostalgia and memory are critical aspects of human psychology, influencing personal identity and emotional well-being. This study explores the relationship between nostalgia and memory, focusing on how the nature of our memories shapes our longing for the past. The primary objective is to investigate how autobiographical and emotional memories contribute to feelings of nostalgia among young adults. The study utilized the Pearson correlation analysis to examine the relationship between q_total (nostalgic feelings) and m_total (memory recall) in a sample of 85 participants. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation formula were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.733, p < 0.001), indicating that vivid and emotionally significant memories are strongly associated with greater nostalgic feelings. The study concludes that nostalgia, shaped by memory, plays a significant role in emotional regulation and identity formation, though idealized memories of the past may hinder present growth. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.