Author: Samia Tahir Dar
Supervisor: Saira Batool & Rukhsana Kausar, PhD
Degree: M.Sc
Year: 2013-2015
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The purpose of the present research was to find out relationship between homesickness, perceived loneliness and interpersonal problems in hostel students. It was hypothesized that; (a) there would be positive relationship between homesickness, perceived loneliness and interpersonal problems in hostel students; (b) homesickness and perceived loneliness would be predicted interpersonal problems in hostel students; (c) there would be gender differences in homesickness, perceived loneliness and interpersonal problems of hostel students. The sample comprised of 200 students from Punjab University Hostels. Homesickness Questionnaire (Archer, 1998), The UCLA Loneliness scale (Russel, Peplau and Ferguson, 1978) and Inventory of Interpersonal Problem (Horowitz et al., 1998) were used. Pearson product moment correlation analysis, stepwise regression analysis and independent samples t-test were applied for data analysis. Results revealed a positive relationship between most of the subscales of homesickness and interpersonal problems in hostel students. It was also revealed that gender and avoidance negatively predicted interpersonal problems and boys experienced more interpersonal problems than girls, while anger/blame, identification and perceived loneliness positively predicted the interpersonal problems in hostel student. Girls reported more preoccupation thoughts, maintain attachment, loss of self, identification and avoidance than boys. Overall, interpersonal problems were reported more by boys as compared to girls. These findings would be helpful for university administration to draw some strategic plan for future faculty training program and for student’s staff orientation. Formation of a support group will help these hostel students to get well adjusted.
Keywords: Homesickness, perceived loneliness, interpersonal problems, hostel students.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245