Nostalgia and acculturation

Curr Opin Psychol. 2023 Feb:49:101553. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101553. Epub 2022 Dec 27.

Abstract

We identify three themes in the current research on nostalgia and acculturation. First, different types of nostalgia (i.e., home-culture and host-culture nostalgia) have distinct effects on immigrants' and sojourners' identification with home or host culture, affecting the integration of home and host cultural identities. Second, nostalgia during acculturation plays a crucial role in facilitating self-continuity among immigrants and sojourners moving across different cultures. Third, nostalgia affects the majority-group members' attitude towards immigrants and sojourners in the host culture. We conclude by highlighting three challenges for future research on nostalgia and acculturation: the content of types of nostalgia, the moderating role of individual differences, and the functions of nostalgia at various acculturation stages.

Keywords: Acculturation; Home-culture nostalgia; Host-culture nostalgia; Intercultural exchange; Self-continuity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Attitude
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Humans