The following text is from a psychology article.
Nostalgia was historically classified as a medical condition, particularly among soldiers away from home. Modern research reframes it as an adaptive emotion with psychological benefits. Nostalgic reflection increases feelings of social connectedness and self-continuity. People experiencing loneliness or existential anxiety often engage in nostalgic thinking as an unconscious coping mechanism.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It presents an older view, contrasts it with current understanding, and explains benefits.
It provides treatment options for excessive nostalgia.
It argues that nostalgia is harmful to mental health.
It profiles researchers who study memory and emotion.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text presents old view (medical condition), contrasts with current research (adaptive emotion), and explains benefits (connectedness, coping).
- Evidence: The text notes history: "historically classified as a medical condition." It notes modern view: "adaptive emotion." It explains benefits: "social connectedness," "coping mechanism."
- Reasoning: The structure contrasts a past misconception with current scientific understanding.
- Conclusion: This matches "presents an older view, contrasts it... and explains benefits."
💡 Strategy: Track the shift: History (bad) -> Modern Science (good/useful).
Choice B is incorrect because no treatments are provided. Choice C is incorrect because benefits are emphasized. Choice D is incorrect because no researchers are profiled.