Psychological research suggests that nostalgia can support emotional well-being, social connection and self-esteem. Revisiting the simple pleasures of childhood can help us reconnect with the joy and wonder we may have lost along the way.
The story of “Peter Pan” has persisted for over 100 years. Within Neverland, children never have to face adulthood and its associated burdensome responsibilities. The daily to-do list consists solely of endless wonder.
Although there is a notion that fantasies such as “Peter Pan” are marketed solely to children, it’s hard to fully grasp the psychological phenomenon it represents until you grow up. Perhaps the very reason “Peter Pan” has remained prominent is because the story remains applicable throughout every stage of life.
When you’re feeling sad or discontent, do you ever find yourself turning on the Disney movie you adored as a child, hugging your childhood stuffed animal extra tight or grabbing a nostalgic snack?
When childhood can represent freedom, joy and love, why wouldn’t an adult drained by every waking day reach back to who they are at their core?
Searching For Neverland
Gen Z has coined the term “Disney adult” to describe adults who routinely go to Disney parks, buy expensive merchandise and have a unique fascination with the franchise.
While a complete obsession with anything or anyone could point to unresolved issues, adults going to Disney once in a while to glimpse childhood wonder is exactly what Walt Disney would have envisioned.
Disney worked extensively throughout his childhood to eventually create the physical
embodiment of everything a childhood is supposed to represent and offer.
Many times, an adult will want to get in touch with their inner child at an increased level when they have experienced abuse or neglect during their own childhood, and therefore did not get to experience growing up normally.
Deprived of a childhood, by his account, Michael Jackson created Neverland Ranch, named after Peter Pan’s own Neverland. Neverland Ranch offered petting zoos, amusement park rides and almost every imaginable aspect of childhood joy.
Jackson’s Neverland is an extreme example of recreating the childhood he never got. However, his story shows how intense that longing can feel.
Reclaiming What Was Lost
Dr. Sparks, PsyD, LEP, explained that reconnecting with your inner child can help some heal:
“While not entirely within my area of expertise as a licensed educational psychologist, connecting with your inner child by doing things like watching your favorite shows or eating your favorite foods has been known to help some people with unresolved trauma from their childhood.”
Children who put on a brave face or who are always praised for their maturity are still children. They still have childhood needs even when adult problems blur them. Those unmet needs still deserve attention, even if 20 years have passed.
If you spent your childhood hearing and internalizing adult conversations, including relational and economic ones, allow days for yourself where your nervous system isn’t on edge.
Healing Through Nostalgia
A 2026 survey including 2,521 participants across 28 regions found that experimentally induced nostalgia increased social connectedness, which was associated with higher self-esteem.
Dr. Sparks stated the benefits of engaging in these acts mindfully:
“Looking into patterns for how you feel or respond to doing these things may help you to notice that certain things were missing in your childhood.”
These acts are not a replacement for trauma treatment but tools that can help facilitate healing.
As Dr. Sparks affirmed, “Working with a therapist to help resolve some of these traumas can be helpful.”
When you grow up, you can make your own choices. The freedom of not having any
responsibilities as a child shifts into the freedom of autonomy as an adult. The time to prioritize yourself and offer yourself the compassion you should have once been given is now.
We cannot live in Neverland, but we absolutely can visit.
words&photo_hayley shaffer.
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