Lyrics of longing
Exploring the role of music in the lived experience of homesickness among college students
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21511964 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Simran Gidwani (0009-0003-8520-6920, Christ University, corresponding author), Veenashree Anchan (Christ University), Nisha James (0000-0002-9087-9842, Christ University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 762-778 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychology of Music (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0305-7356 • E-ISSN: 1741-3087 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/03057356241271032 |
| OpenAlex | W4402588741 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 55 |
The study investigates the multifaceted role of music during homesickness among first-year college students in India. As compared to other mental health outcomes, homesickness is a relatively understudied phenomenon, yet noteworthy due to its direct association with depression and anxiety. Although empirical evidence about music highlights its therapeutic potential for managing stress and anxiety, few studies have explored its role in connection with homesickness. The data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 students about their perception of using music during homesickness. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, the emerging themes pointed to a mixed influence, highlighting the bittersweet nature of music during homesickness. While music validates feelings and boosts confidence and motivation, it also triggers restorative nostalgia and serves as an escape from confronting homesickness. Moreover, native songs fostered an appreciation for one’s culture and helped students connect with their roots. The study contributes to understanding how music is a versatile tool for students dealing with homesickness, offering solace and potential challenges. It serves as a guide to future intervention studies that could explore music’s long-term influences. Recognising the diverse ways students perceive and respond to music provides valuable insights for developing tailored interventions and support systems
Art · Literature · Lived experience · Lyrics · Pedagogy · Psychoanalysis · Diverse Music Education Insights · Music Therapy and Health · Nostalgia and Consumer Behavior · Psychology · Social Psychology
Essentials of interpretative phenomenological analysis.
How phenomenology can help us learn from the experiences of others
The role of music in adolescents' mood regulation
Long-term musical group interaction has a positive influence on empathy in children
Examining emotion regulation in depression
Levels of processing
Stress, appraisal, and coping
Coping
Music listening as a coping resource in domestic and international university students
Music-evoked nostalgia
An experience sampling study of emotional reactions to music
Interventions Targeting the Wellbeing of Migrant Youths
Self-compassion as a Buffer against Homesickness, Depression, and Dissatisfaction in the Transition to College
Homesickness and adjustment across the first year of college
Expression, Perception, and Induction of Musical Emotions
Family Cohesion and Age as Determinants of Homesickness in University Students
Associations among Homesickness, Anger, Anxiety, and Depression
Adolescent Peer Groups and Social Identity
An analysis of friendship networks, social connectedness, homesickness, and satisfaction levels of international students
Coping strategies used by international students who recovered from homesickness and depression in Malaysia
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of stress and coping in first year undergraduates
Nostalgic recollections of high and low narcissists
Accelerating the coping process
The moderating role of gender inequality and age among emotional intelligence, homesickness and development of mood swings in university students
Nostalgia
Giving voice and making sense in interpretative phenomenological analysis
Why do we listen to music? A uses and gratifications analysis
Derivation of a homesickness scale
Mind-wandering, cognition, and performance
Catharsis in Healing, Ritual, and Drama
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |