If you feel excluded, reach to the past

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TEMPE, Ariz., March 25 (UPI) -- If you feel excluded, watching a movie you loved in college or eating a food from your childhood may make you feel better, U.S. and Dutch researchers suggest.

"Have you ever wondered why it is that you are in the mood to watch an old episode of 'Friends,'" rather than your current favorite TV show? Or why you are suddenly craving an Otter Pop, a summery treat you haven't eaten since you were a kid?" ask study authors Katherine E. Loveland at Arizona State University, Dirk Smeesters at Erasmus University, The Netherlands and Naomi Mandel at Arizona State University.

The researchers conducted a series of five experiments in which they found the key to preferring nostalgic products is the need to belong.

"Whenever a situation arises in which people feel a heightened need to belong to a group, or generally need to feel socially connected, they will show a corresponding higher preference for nostalgic products," the study authors say in a statement.

The study is scheduled to be published in the Journal of Consumer Research in October.