Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 M.A. in General Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
3 Full Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the lived experience of homesickness and coping strategies among female students residing in the dormitories of Allameh Tabataba'i University. Employing a qualitative approach based on Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenology, the research engaged twelve purposively selected female participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. The findings revealed that homesickness is a multidimensional phenomenon influencing students' mental health, adaptation, and personal growth. From the data analysis, six main themes, nine subthemes, and forty-eight initial codes emerged. The main themes included "emotional and cognitive fluctuations", "inner transformation and change", "stepping out of safe boundaries", "lack of emotional connection", "structural limitations", and "individual and institutional coping strategies". The results indicated that although homesickness is accompanied by psychological distress, it can also serve as an opportunity for personal growth and independence. Coping strategies at individual level (such as goal reminder and inner dialogue) and institutional level (such as access to counseling services and provision of semi-private spaces) played a significant role in reducing tensions and enhancing the overall quality of students' lives.
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