Preliminary Models of Risk and Protective Factors for Childhood Homesickness: Review and Empirical Synthesis

Abstract

Empirical research and conventional wisdom have suggested numerous risk and protective factors for the development of homesickness. Yet no study has integrated predictors and sequelae of homesickness into a testable statistical model. As a first step in developing a pathogenic model of homesickness in children, this study measured, factor analyzed, and modeled 14 predictors and 8 sequelae of homesickness. Using a sample of 293 boys, ages 8-16, spending 2 weeks at an overnight summer camp, this study tested 2 alternate models, focusing on the roles of boys' interpersonal attitudes, perceived control, and separation expectations in the subsequent development of homesickness. Results indicated that interpersonal attitudes and perceived control may predict boys' preseparation beliefs about whether they will become homesick. This "homesick disposition" combines with little prior separation experience to account for 69% of the variance in self-reported homesickness. Homesickness was not a powerful predictor of negative emotion, whereas interpersonal attitudes and perceived control predicted 70% of the variance in negative emotion. Results are discussed in the context of contemporary theories of homesickness.

Preventing and Treating Homesickness

“…In studies in which researchers measured homesickness at the time the individual was in the new environment, a prevalence of 83% to 95% has been reported. 21,22 Prevalence rates measured while the subject was in the new environment were similar for children at summer camp 5 and hospitalized children, 11 with younger children being at greater risk. There seem to be no gender differences in the prevalence or intensity of homesickness, 9,22 nor are there cultural differences in the way individuals and researchers define the term "homesickness."…”

“…This measurement technique consistently categorizes approximately 20% of boys and girls away from home as moderately to severely homesick. 5,9,21,22 A much smaller percentage of children-between 6% and 9%-report intense homesickness that is associated with severe symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. 9,11,21,22 Longitudinal changes in intensity of homesickness in children and adolescents also have been studied.…”

“…5,37 Age, of course, is often a proxy for experience, which is the more powerful predictor. For example, an 8-year-old with lots of experience away from home has less chance of becoming homesick at summer camp than a 12-year-old with very little experience away from home.…”

“…5 In some ways, expectations of intense homesickness and negative experiences become self-fulfilling prophecies. In a study of college freshmen, perceived absence of social support was a strong predictor of homesickness.…”

“…2 Today, there is a clearer sense of what causes homesickness and how it can be prevented and treated. Comprehensive historical 1,3,4 and contemporary 5,6 reviews of the literature are available.…”