Is this information making you curious about nostalgia? Do you want to find out the other benefits of nostalgia? Why not do it in a fun way – try our quiz below!

But before you try, please consider these notes:
Who is this quiz for?
This concise and time-efficient questionnaire is intended for those who suspect they may be grappling with feelings of nostalgia. The questions below are aimed at assisting you in assessing whether you could benefit from extra support and guidance regarding these sentiments. Consulting with a mental health expert can also assist in discerning whether your experiences align with manifestations of nostalgia and guide you toward any necessary interventions.

Is this accurate?
This online screening is not a definitive tool. It is not designed to diagnose nostalgia or to be considered as a substitute for professional diagnosis.

You can, however, use this test as a self-screening tool to track your moods. You could also use it to show your doctor or a mental health professional how your symptoms have changed from one visit to the next.

Only a trained medical professional, such as a doctor or mental health professional, can help you determine the next best steps for you.

Quiz
1. Many studies have explored nostalgia and existentialism (questioning existence). Do your nostalgic memories contribute meaning to your life? (Routledge et al., 2013)

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

2. Does your nostalgia positively affect any of these categories: mood, social, self, or existential? (Routledge et al., 2013).

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

3. Earlier, we mentioned that nostalgia is linked to connectedness. Does nostalgia ever help you with feelings of loneliness? (Routledge et al., 2013). 

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

4. In another study, people with high nostalgia were more content with aging. As you get older and wiser, does nostalgia bring you comfort? (Routledge et al., 2013).

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

5. Does your well-being generally increase when you feel nostalgic? (Routledge et al., 2013).

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

6. Do you feel more optimistic due to nostalgia? (Ismail et al., 2018).

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

7. Does nostalgia increase your intrinsic (natural) motivation and work effort? (Li et al., 2023). 

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

8. Are your gratitude levels high after experiencing nostalgia? (Li et al., 2023). 

a) Always
b) Often
c) Sometimes
d) Never

There is no correct sequence of answers in this quiz. Hopefully, you will have chosen mostly a), but if not, that is okay. It may take practice to hone your positive thinking. Luckily, as mentioned, nostalgia can further increase positivity.

This quiz was designed to show you how nostalgia can benefit us. Amazingly, something as simple as remembering good experiences can augment well-being (Li et al., 2023), but there is a lot of research behind it. The range of aspects that nostalgia is linked to is extensive. If you are looking for a quick and straightforward pick-me-up (something that makes you happy), look no further.

Additionally, it was mentioned that nostalgia brings us gratitude. Gratitude is often used as a coping method for distress because it allows us to focus on the positive and feel thankful for our lives. It is linked to optimism, happiness with life, socialness, social support, and less negativity (Li et al., 2023). It also allows us to avoid negative emotions such as envy/jealousy (Li et al., 2023). 

Furthermore, the motivation that comes from nostalgia can be used for all aspects of life. School, work, projects, anything you can think of. Intrinsic motivation has often been shown to be more effective than extrinsic motivation (Morris et al., 2022), so it is excellent that nostalgia is such an organic motivator. Company managers are always looking for more ways to motivate their employees. If any CEOS are reading this, consider giving your employees time to practice self-care and nostalgia. The evidence between well-being and nostalgia is fascinating.

Nostalgia is inclusive. Anyone of any race, gender, ethnicity, or age can experience it. That being said, only some have good memories. In my experience, bad memories surface more often for those struggling. If you feel that nostalgia is hurting you, I encourage you to seek help. As I have said, no problem is too small or big. Not only do psychological disorders require treatment, but everyday emotions and problems as well. Explore www.bookmytherapy.ca to discover clinicians in your familiar language, or explore more resources in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html.

Thank you for taking this quiz with us today and learning about nostalgia. If you wish to educate yourself further, consider exploring our other blogs and the resources/journal articles listed for this blog. There is never any harm in learning psychology because, as humans, we all have brains that need to be taken care of. It is a constant job, and sometimes it requires work. Consider taking time each day to experience nostalgic thoughts, whether ten seconds or five minutes. Studies show your brain will thank you.