How nostalgia makes you happier with the present: We should 'reframe' bad memories that make us neurotic

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated:

Looking back at the 'good old days' through rose-tinted glasses helps the current ones go well too, a study claims.

By contrast, simply dragging up bad memories can make a person more neurotic, moody and introverted and affect their overall life satisfaction, the research by psychologists concluded.

Instead, they should natter about the old days, focusing on happier moments or trying to 'reframe' unhappy ones to take something positive from them.

The good old days: Looking back with 'rose tinted spectacles' can make us happier claim psychologists

The good old days: Looking back with 'rose tinted spectacles' can make us happier claim psychologists


Famously neurotic: People like director Woody Allen should learn to 'reframe' his bad memories to become happier

Famously neurotic: People like director Woody Allen should learn to 'reframe' his bad memories to become happier

Examining personality traits of 750 volunteers through a series of tests, the researchers found nostalgia plays a key part in overall life satisfaction.

Reminiscing about the good times leads to fewer regrets, which feeds through to a more open and positive view of life.

San Francisco State University researchers said: 'People who look at the past through rose-tinted glasses are happier than those who focus on negative past experiences and regrets.'

The study, in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, looked at how each volunteer rated for what psychologists call 'the Big Five' personality traits. 

This included whether they were open or secretive, extrovert or introvert and how agreeable, conscientious and neurotic they were.

Professor Ryan Howell said: 'We found that highly extroverted people are happier with their lives because they tend to hold a positive, nostalgic view of the past.

'This is good news because although it may be difficult to change your personality, you may be able to alter your view of time and boost your happiness.'


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