Homesickness among rural Appalachian university students

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Higher Education Studies
• Student Wellbeing

Background:

• Homesickness can negatively impact university students' mental health and academic performance.
• Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of homesickness is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of homesickness among students at a rural Appalachian university.
• To explore the relationship between homesickness and self-reported outcomes, including mental health and academic intentions.
• To identify university life events associated with homesickness.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Data were collected from 91 university students using electronic questionnaires.
• Participant demographics and experiences with homesickness were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 65% of students reported experiencing homesickness, particularly during move-in.
• Homesickness was associated with increased anxiety, depression, and a desire to drop out.
• Factors such as in-state residency, sophomore status, and living in dorms/apartments were more common among homesick students.

Conclusions:

• Homesickness is a prevalent issue for students in rural Appalachian university settings.
• Addressing homesickness requires interprofessional collaboration to mitigate its impact on student wellbeing and academic success.
• Campus life adjustments, including food services and activities, may help reduce homesickness and foster a sense of belonging.