A Correlational Study of Social Loneliness, Coping Mechanisms, and Homesickness among College Students

Abstract

The study focuses on how college students cope with homesickness and social loneliness and how they use coping mechanisms to address these problems. Social loneliness is defined as a perceived lack of social connections with people, peer groups, environment or surroundings. (APA). Homesickness is defined as the distress or impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home or attachment objects (APA). Changes in social settings, academic demands, and physical separation from family and familiar surroundings are the some causes of these problems. Coping mechanism is defined as a thought process or action that helps someone deal with stressful or unpleasant situations (APA). Coping mechanisms that are essential for managing these emotional situations include creating supportive social networks, engaging in extracurricular activities, and maintaining regular communication with friends, family, and peer groups. Getting professional counselling, developing a sense of community on campus, and engaging in mindfulness exercises are more coping mechanisms. These problems must be acknowledged and addressed in order to promote college students’ academic success and emotional wellness.