Is Homesickness a Mini-Grief? Development of a Dual Process Model

Abstract

Homesickness (HS) is associated with mental and physical health problems and is thus of clinical concern. In some highly influential theoretical models and widely used questionnaires, HS spans home-related losses and new-locality adjustments. A differentiated approach is needed: Evidence suggests that distinct manifestations are associated with these two domains. Collapsing home- and new-place-related phenomena has impeded understanding of separation-from-home-specific aspects. Thus, we propose a dual process model of coping with HS (DPM-HS). According to this framework, HS is fundamentally a separation phenomenon, a “mini-grief,” involving different (though possibly mutually exacerbating) stressors from new place ones. It follows that HS should be narrowly defined; separate examination of home–new place stressors, correlates, and consequences is mandatory; regulatory cognitive-emotional processes and incremental effects due to new place stressors need charting. Following DPM-HS principles, HS prevention and treatment should not only focus on distraction and adjustment, but also pay attention to missing home aspects and emotion-regulation strategies.