moodboard/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. So powerful that it can make us spend more money than if we didn’t feel sentimental.
Researchers from the U.S., Britain and France wanted to learn just why we are suddenly more apt to part with money when we feel nostalgic, so they conducted a number of experiments to prove their thesis.
In one case, they found that consumers who were told to think about pleasant events from the past seem to have no problem paying extra for the same set of products than others who did not dredge up old memories.
Pertaining to charities, those who wrote about a previous experience from the past were later inclined to give more money to others than the control group.
The researchers contend this information is especially valuable to corporations looking to boost promotions and products lines, as well as charities that are interested in filling their coffers.
Meanwhile, the use of nostalgia might also come in handy during periods of recession when people are less inclined to spend, the researchers surmised.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio
