Open AccessFirst-Year College Students' Homesickness and Separation Anxiety
Author(s) -
Robyn D. Claborn,
Steven T. Kane
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the journal of college orientation and transition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2690-4535
pISSN - 1534-2263
DOI - 10.24926/jcotr.v19i2.2795
Subject(s) - anxiety , psychology , mental health , clinical psychology , medical education , psychiatry , medicine
Severe homesickness in college students is considered by many mental health clinicians to be a manifestation of adult separation axiety disorder (ASAD). Recent research suggests that while approximately 7% of adults have ASAD, as many as 21% of college students may suffer from the disorder. In this article, we examine the psychological characteristics of ASAD and review the literature relating ASAD to student retention. Surprisingly, relatively little research has examined ASAD as a risk factor for college student retention, especially given its frequent occurrence. In this literature review, we also discuss current university practices and orientation programs that would help retain students with ASAD, along with recommendations for future research.