MRI scans reveal the emotions of nostalgia

THE poet WH Auden coined the word “topophilia” in 1948 to describe the sense of belonging that people experience on returning to an important place from their past.

Now, for the first time, scientists have recorded that nostalgic reaction in the brain by using MRI scans.

Whether it is wandering through woodland where we once played as children, or paddling in the same seas as in past summer holidays, significant mental and emotional changes are sparked by going back to meaningful places which boost well-being, researchers suggest.

A study by the National Trust and the University of Surrey showed a far greater boost of activity in the amygdala – a key area of the brain for processing emotion – when volunteers were shown pictures of personal sites, compared to important objects.

It suggests, for example, that the place where a person gets married carries a far greater emotional importance than the ring they receive on the day, or their wedding photographs.

“For the first time, we have been able to prove the physical and emotional benefits of place, far beyond any research that has been done before,” said Dr Andy Myers, of Surrey University.

“MRI opens a window into the brain allowing us to explore automatic emotional responses, and scientifically demonstrating a tangible

‘We have been able to prove the physical and emotional benefits of place’

link between people and places.

“With meaningful places generating a significant response in areas of the brain known to process emotion, it’s exciting to understand how deep-rooted this connection truly is.”

The study involved 20 people who were asked to bring photographs of 10 important objects and 10 meaningful places to the lab. Their brains were then scanned while they looked at each. Meaningful places not only triggered a far stronger response in the amygdala, but also in the medial prefrontal cortex that is responsible for activating positive emotions and memories.

There was also a boost in activity in the parahippocampal place, a part of the brain linked to feelings of self.

A separate survey involving 2,000 people was also carried out to find just how important places were. Twothirds of those surveyed said their special place provided an escape from everyday life while almost half said it helped them to re-evaluate stress and worries.

Nine out of 10 said they would be upset if their meaningful place was lost.

Nino Strachey, head of research and specialist advice at the National Trust, said: “The trust exists today because our forward-thinking founder, Octavia Hill, intrinsically knew the importance of places for people.

“Now, 122 years later, science has proven her mission is still as relevant and important today.”