Nostalgia and wellbeing in autistic and non-autistic young adults

Research shows that nostalgia - remembering with emotion - supports wellbeing in the general population. The studies within this body of work are the first to explore whether the same is true for autistic individuals – a group of people who experience the world differently and often experience lower wellbeing compared to non-autistic people. This thesis adopted a mixed methods approach exploring nostalgia and wellbeing in autistic and non-autistic young adults aged 18 – 25. Study 1 (quantitative) used an online survey to explore proneness to nostalgia, the salience of triggers of nostalgia and state nostalgia’s related affect, as well as the interrelationships between nostalgia, authenticity and wellbeing (at trait level) with 118 autistic and 112 non-autistic young adults. Study 2 (qualitative) used semi-structured interviews with ten autistic participants to explore nostalgic experiences in further detail and how those related to authenticity and wellbeing in autistic individuals. Study 3 (experimental) used an online survey to examine music evoked nostalgia, tendencies towards dispositional rumination and reflection and effects on mood, state authenticity and wellbeing with 146 autistic and 174 non-autistic young adults. This thesis makes a significant contribution to new knowledge, providing novel insights into the nuances of the autistic experience of the emotional phenomenon of nostalgia. Although there may be some differences in nostalgic experiences, findings show that nostalgia supports the wellbeing of autistic and non-autistic people in similar ways - boosting mood, valuing oneself, feeling connected to the authentic self and reminding one of important social bonds, factors which are crucial for wellbeing. Although more research is needed, findings also suggest that, depending on one’s tendencies towards rumination or reflection, autistic people could use nostalgia as a positive activity to support and enhance wellbeing, aiding them to cope with challenges that arise from day to day living in the non-autistic social world.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Author dc:creator

• Bennett, Julie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rathbone, Clare
• Wilmut, Kate

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/v53y-vw71

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:a4a231dd-5b44-464b-a6f1-1b15614590d3:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1