Exploring Childhood Nostalgia: A Study on Old Age

Description

Page: 396-400

Sonali Saini and Alpana Mohan (Department of Psychology, VMLG PG College, Ghaziabad, UP VMLG PG College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh)

The term nostalgia is defined as a positive emotion primarily related to childhood memories and social relationships. The present study aims to examine the nature of nostalgic memories experienced old age people through the narratives they share about their past, specifically childhood. It also focuses on the emotions related to those memories and their impact on their present life, as well as their future life. For this, an interview method has been used wherein 10 participants (5 males & 5 females) between 60-70 years were interviewed using a qualitative method. The analysis of the verbatims showed their nostalgic experiences about their childhood memories, the importance of the past in their present and future life, things or activities of childhood that make them nostalgic, and significant people in their past. It also presents the difference between the nostalgic memories recalled by males and females.