These include the hippocampus, responsible for memory formation, and the reward system, involving the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. 6. Nostalgic bias: Nostalgia often leads to a bias in memory recall, with individuals remembering positive aspects of the past more vividly while filtering out negative experiences. This bias contributes to the overall positive emotional experience associated with nostalgia. In summary, the science behind nostalgia involves memory retrieval, positive emotions, social connectedness, autobiographical thinking, psychological benefits, brain activation, and nostalgic bias. Understanding these processes helps researchers and psychologists explore the impact of nostalgia on individuals' wellbeing and mental health.
