Tim Wildschut

Tim Wildschut is a Professor of Social and Personality Psychology at the University of Southampton's Department of Psychology within the Faculty of Social Sciences. He received his PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS). His research has significantly reshaped understanding of nostalgia as a psychological phenomenon and explores critical aspects of intergroup relations.

Wildschut's research fundamentally challenges the historical view of nostalgia as a negative emotion, instead presenting it as a complex, multi-faceted experience with positive psychological functions. His work demonstrates how nostalgia enhances social connectedness, fosters meaning in life, and strengthens self-continuity. He also investigates intergroup relations, particularly the interindividual-intergroup discontinuity effect, which explains why groups tend to be more competitive than individuals acting alone. His research spans diverse contexts including refugee experiences, aging populations, conflict zones, and social movements.

Analysis of Wildschut's recent publications reveals a strong focus on nostalgia's multifaceted psychological functions across various populations and contexts. His work consistently demonstrates how nostalgia serves as a psychological resource that enhances well-being, strengthens social bonds, and provides meaning. The research spans multiple disciplines including social psychology, cross-cultural psychology, environmental psychology, and gerontology, showing the breadth of nostalgia's applications. His collaborative approach is evident in the extensive co-authorship network, particularly with Constantine Sedikides.

• Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS)
• Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize for work on interindividual-intergroup discontinuity effect

Professor Wildschut actively supervises PhD students, currently guiding Emma Louise Bayford (DClin) and Luke Edward Spencer Chandaman (PhD Psychology). His research is conducted through membership in the Institute for Life Sciences and the Centre for Research on Self and Identity at the University of Southampton. He is currently accepting PhD applications and continues to lead active research projects including 'Dyadic Nostalgia in Couple Relationships.' His work bridges theoretical psychological concepts with practical applications in diverse real-world contexts from refugee integration to social activism against ageism.