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Two studies demonstrate that romantic nostalgia enhances relationship satisfaction and attraction in couples, suggesting useful implications for relationship enhancement.
Introduction: In two studies, we examined the benefits of romantic nostalgia, a sentimental longing for treasured moments in a romantic relationship. Methods: Study 1 participants reported their romantic nostalgia, relationship satisfaction, positive affect, and affective attraction toward their partner. Study 2 participants recalled and wrote about a nostalgic or ordinary event in their romantic relationships and reported their relationship satisfaction, positive affect, and affective attraction. Results: Romantic nostalgia was positively linked to outcomes in both the correlational (Study 1) and experimental (Study 2) studies. Discussion: Our research supports that romantic nostalgia is a positive experience that, whether occurring naturally or induced as an intervention, benefits individuals in their romantic relationships.
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Reid et al. (2026) studied this question.
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