M.A.L. van Tilburg

Homesickness: a review of the literature

Homesickness has not received due attention from psychological researchers, in spite of the fact that it is of considerable interest to counsellors and care-givers of those who have migrated or moved temporarily or permanently (e.g. immigrants, refugees, students, soldiers). First, this review addresses the definition of homesickness, the possible different kinds of homesickness, its prevalence rate, and symptomatology, Secondly, an overview is given of the theories that account for psychological distress following leaving home. These theories link homesickness with separation-anxiety and loss, the interruption of lifestyle, reduced control, role change, and internal conflict. In addition, the review focuses on: (i) studies that show that subjects reporting homesickness differ from non-homesick persons in terms of personality; (ii) the analyses of environmental characteristics that may play a crucial role in the onset and course of homesickness. Thirdly, Fishers (1989) composite model of homesickness, which summarizes key findings of the major studies on homesickness is discussed. Fourthly, methodological issues are addressed. Finally, suggestions for future research are presented and possibilities for interventions are proposed.

Psychological aspects of geographical moves. Homesickness and acculturation stress

Mobility of mankind has increased enormously in the past few decades. People leave their homes and native countries for business and study, for vacation or to flee from unsafe conditions like wars and natural disasters. In all cases the sojourner faces a dual challenge of breaking with the familiar home environment and adjusting to new surroundings. This book deals with the psychological and health consequences of leaving the familiar home and the process of creating a new one. The focus is mainly on acculturation stress and homesickness, which both are relevant to those who travel. Acculturation refers to the process and outcome of a persons encounter with, and adaptation to, a culturally new and different environment. Homesickness is defined as a depression-like reaction to leaving ones home. The contributions in this book present empirical data as well as theoretical and conceptual discussions. Causes, consequences, moderating variables, and theoretical explanations are discussed. Both short-term (e.g., vacations) and long-term (e.g. immigration) separations from home receive attention. By combining these different but related topics, this book provides a valuable overview for researchers, teachers, students and professionals working with people who present with problems related to migration or traveling.

Mood changes in homesick persons during a holiday trip. A multiple case study.

BACKGROUND Homesickness is generally studied with respect to rather uncommon long-lasting situations such as a (forced) move, while short stays away from home, like holidays, are much more common homesickness situations. Furthermore, little is known about the development and course of homesickness feelings. Therefore, the present multiple case study was designed in order to obtain a better insight into the onset and course of homesickness and patterns of mood changes, as well as saliva cortisol levels during a short stay away from home. METHODS Several times before, during and after their holiday, 10 adult homesick-prone females completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Homesickness Decision Tree (HDT) and a Subjective Homesickness Rating. In addition, saliva samples were obtained. Data were analyzed individually. Furthermore, days with and without homesickness were compared across individuals using t tests. RESULTS Using the HDT, the following typology, based upon four different reaction patterns, emerged: (1) no homesickness, (2) anticipation homesickness, (3) holiday homesickness, and (4) a combination of anticipation and holiday homesickness. POMS scores demonstrated significantly worsened mood when experiencing homesickness. Cortisol levels, however, failed to differ between days with and without homesickness. CONCLUSIONS Homesickness is characterized by negative mood which is not necessarily reflected in significantly changed salivary cortisol levels. Feelings of homesickness are not only experienced during absence from home, but may occur also in anticipation to a leave. Future studies need to focus upon the prevalence, causes and consequences of the different types of homesickness.