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Nostalgia’s Siren Call:

Unpacking the Collector’s Sentimental Journey

Hello – I’m Shirley M. Mueller, and I am delighted to be writing for role in emotional coping strategies. For collectors, the act of collecting
the Journal of Antiques and Collectibles. My columns going forward will and the objects collected can serve as emotional anchors, providing
include topics such as human food hoarding, the healing power of collecting, comfort and stability in times of change or stress. Searching for,
why we like bad art, and many others. I welcome suggestions or comments. acquiring, and organizing collectibles can be a soothing and therapeutic
Best, Shirley. process, offering a respite from the challenges of everyday life.

ollecting is often deeply intertwined with nostalgia, a Nostalgia and Social Connectedness
sentimental longing for the past. It can significantly influence Beyond its personal implications, nostalgia when collecting also has
Cthe motivations and experiences of collectors. Here, we explore a social dimension. Collectors often seek out others who share their
psychological theories and empirical studies behind this craving, all of interests, leading to the formation of communities and social bonds
which are important to help collectors understand themselves. centered around collecting. Wildschut et al. (2006) demonstrated that
nostalgia fosters social bonds and increases positive feelings towards
Nostalgia as a Motivator for Collecting others. Collecting communities, whether they meet in person or
At the core of many collectors’ passion lies nostalgia. This longing is connect online, provide a space for individuals to share stories,
often rooted in personal or cultural history, driving individuals to exchange knowledge, and celebrate their shared passion. This sense of
collect items that resonate with their memories or represent an era they belonging is a crucial aspect of the collecting experience.
perceive as a “past golden age.” Russell Belk, in his seminal work
“Collecting in a Consumer Society” (1990), highlights this aspect Cultural and Historical Significance
by emphasizing that collecting can be a way Nostalgic collecting can extend beyond the
to reclaim and preserve the past, thereby personal to the cultural and historical.
providing a sense of continuity in a rapidly Collectors are often drawn to Items that have
changing world. This gives comfort. Thus, broader cultural or historical significance,
collectors often use their collections as a bridge seeing their collections as a way to preserve
to the past. This process reconnects the collector and celebrate these aspects. Stern (1992)
with memories, experiences, or eras that hold discusses how nostalgia in advertising appeals
personal significance. to collective memories and cultural history, a
concept that can be extended to the realm of
Nostalgia and Identity Formation collecting. By collecting items from a particular
Collecting items from one’s past is more era or culture, collectors are not only recon-
than a hobby; it’s a means of establishing necting with their past but also preserving a
identity construction and reinforcing it. This piece of history for future generations.
happens because nostalgia serves as a link to
one’s personal history, thus contributing to a Nostalgia, from the upcoming graphic novel by Cat Conclusion
sense of individuality and self-continuity. Huang, set in a magical antique shop, where the “blank” Nostalgia plays a multifaceted and significant
This concept was explored by Batcho (2013) main character seeks to find their identity by exploring role in the psychology of collecting. It acts as a
who suggested that nostalgia is not merely a antiques and the nostalgia felt as they uncover clues. powerful motivator, driving individuals to
retreat to the past but also a support in difficult times. By collecting seek out objects that connect them to their past and provide a sense of
objects from the past, individuals are able to maintain a consistent sense continuity and identity. It serves as an emotional regulator, offering
of self, even as they navigate the complexities of the present. This link comfort and stability in times of change. It fosters social connectedness,
between nostalgia and identity is particularly strong in collectors, who helping collectors to form communities and bonds with others who
see their collections as extensions of their personalities and life stories. share their passion. And, it connects collectors to broader cultural and
historical narratives, allowing them to celebrate and preserve these
Emotional Regulation and Nostalgia aspects through their collections.
Another important aspect of nostalgia in collecting is its role in For collectors, their collections are more than just objects; they
emotional regulation. Juhl et al. (2010) found that nostalgia can are windows to the past, anchors in the present, and legacies for
counteract feelings of loneliness, boredom, and anxiety, indicating its the future.

Shirley M. Mueller, M.D., is known for her expertise in Chinese export porcelain and neuroscience. Her unique knowledge in these two areas motivated
her to explore the neuropsychological aspects of collecting, both to help herself and others as well. This guided her to write her landmark book, Inside the
Head of a Collector: Neuropsychological Forces at Play. In it, she uses the new field of neuropsychology to explain the often-enigmatic behavior of collec-
tors. Shirley is also a well-known speaker. She has shared her insights in London, Paris, Shanghai, and other major cities worldwide as well as across the
United States. In these lectures, she blends art and science to unravel the mysteries of the collector’s mind.
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