A Qualitative Study on the Effects of Homesickness on Mental Health and Sleep Among Newly Admitted Students Residing in Hostels in Public Universities of Punjab, Pakistan

Authors

  • Syed Gufran Sadiq Zaidi Alumni of Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Syeda Kisa Zahra Barani Institute of Sciences, Sahiwal-Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Syed Zeeshan Raza Zaidi National Research University - Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
  • Syed Muhammad Aun Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Zeeshan Alumni of Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i2.1760

Keywords:

Homesickness, Mental Health, Sleep Disturbance, Student Adjustment, Coping Mechanisms, Hostel Life, University Students

Abstract

Background: Homesickness is a significant psychological challenge for newly admitted university students living in hostels, affecting their mental health and sleep patterns. Despite its prevalence, limited qualitative research has explored homesickness in the specific socio-cultural context of Punjab, Pakistan. Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of homesickness on mental health and sleep disturbances among newly admitted hostel students in public universities of Punjab, Pakistan, identifying emotional, behavioral, and academic consequences alongside coping strategies. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with n = 10 newly admitted university students meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Data was analyzed thematically to identify key patterns in students’ experiences. This study was conducted in accordance with ethical research principles, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, minimizing harm, and maintaining scientific integrity, in line with the Helsinki Declaration. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that homesickness led to heightened stress, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, often manifesting as sleep disturbances, academic disengagement, and physical exhaustion. Social support deficits and unfamiliar hostel environments exacerbated distress. However, students adopting coping mechanisms such as social networking, extracurricular activities, and physical exercise reported improved emotional adaptation. Conclusion: Homesickness significantly disrupts mental well-being and sleep in university students. Institutional interventions, such as structured peer support and recreational activities, could mitigate its effects, enhancing student well-being and academic success.

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Published

2025-02-28

How to Cite

Syed Gufran Sadiq Zaidi, Syeda Kisa Zahra, Syed Zeeshan Raza Zaidi, Syed Muhammad Aun, & Zeeshan. (2025). A Qualitative Study on the Effects of Homesickness on Mental Health and Sleep Among Newly Admitted Students Residing in Hostels in Public Universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 5(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i2.1760

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2 (February 2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Syed Gufran Sadiq Zaidi, Syeda Kisa Zahra, Syed Zeeshan Raza Zaidi, Syed Muhammad Aun, Zeeshan

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