Does resource scarcity promote selfish or selfless behaviours? A nuanced perspective through the lens of nostalgia

In the presence of nostalgia, the authors found that exposure to scarce (vs. non-scarce) resources encouraged higher intention to donate, promoted actual donations, motivated less stockpiling behaviour and adhered to purchase restrictions for a scarce commodity. This was reversed without nostalgia, and when subjects experienced scarce (vs. non-scarce) resources. The combined effect of nostalgia and scarcity was mediated through empathy.