The Examination of the Effect of Nostalgia on Risk Factors for Suicide

• Main Author: Sand, Elizabeth Claire
• Format: Others
• Published: North Dakota State University 2017
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10365/26721

In order to investigate the relationship between nostalgic tendencies and risk factors for suicide, two studies were completed. Study 1 examined nostalgic tendencies among individuals with depression symptoms in order to see if those with nostalgic tendencies might have less risk factors for suicide. The Study 2 sought to examine if actually experiencing nostalgia reduced the risk factors for suicide and whether the effect was moderated by dysphoric symptoms. Results of Study 1 indicated that nostalgic tendencies do not have an impact on suicide risk above and beyond other factors like depression. Study 2 found that at medium and high levels of dysphoria, those in a nostalgia condition felt higher levels of perceived burdensomeness. Limitations and implications for future research are explored.