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Vulnerability factors in the transition to university: Self‐reported mobility history and sex differences as factors in psychological disturbance
Author(s) -
Fisher Shirley,
Hood Bruce
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
british journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.536
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 2044-8295
pISSN - 0007-1269
DOI - 10.1111/j.2044-8295.1988.tb02290.x
Subject(s) - psychology , disturbance (geology) , psychological distress , cognition , vulnerability (computing) , distress , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , anxiety , psychiatry , paleontology , computer security , computer science , biology
A study was conducted on the psychological reaction to the transition to university in 198 first year residential students. Female subjects had higher levels of psychological disturbance and cognitive failure. Thirty‐one per cent of the subjects reported experiencing homesickness. These subjects had higher levels of psychological disturbance and cognitive failure than non‐homesick subjects. There were no sex differences in homesickness reporting. The non‐homesick group were found to be more likely to have been away from home before either to attend boarding school or to take holidays. This suggests either that selective aspects of previous mobility experience are beneficial or that self‐selection factors operate in that those who do not feel distress at leaving home are more likely to acquire mobility experience.