Coping Strategies For Homesickness Among PDF

Coping Strategies for Homesickness among
Senior High School Freshmen Students in
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
A.Y. 2018-2019
Senior High School
Almanzor, Kristine Dianne C.
Layacan, Alysa Gwyneth V.
Reyes, Kristine Ann S.
Salera, Hannah V.
HUMSS 12-19
2019
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Philippine Copyright 2019
By
Salera, Hannah V.
And the
Senior High School
All rights reserved. Portions of this manuscript may be reproduced with proper
referencing and due acknowledgment of the author.

Coping Strategies for Homesickness among
Senior High School Freshmen Students in
A.Y. 2018-2019
A Research
Presented to the Faculty of the Senior High School
Sta. Mesa, Manila

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ii
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Practical Research
by
Salera, Hannah V.
May 2019
CERTIFICATION OF ORIGINALITY
Salera, Hannah V.
Researcher
February 2019
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The researchers first and foremost wish to thank and bring honor and glory to
God for the divine protection, knowledge and provision through this research journey.
Gratefulness goes as well to the Senior High School Department of
Polytechnic University of the Philippines for giving the research the opportunity to
conduct this research. Specifically, gratitude and appreciated go to the researchers’
Professor in Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion, Christ Michael Entienza, RPm
who directed, supervised and encouraged us to bring this to completion.
Acknowledgement and grateful go to the selected freshmen students from
Senior High School under HUMSS, STEM AND ADT, from the Polytechnic University
of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila academic year 2018-2019, for their spontaneous
cooperation in the interviews.
To the very understanding parent and family members of the researchers,
much love, gratitude and affection are extended, for the thoughtfulness, financial and
moral support accorded to the researchers.
To everyone else who’s encouragement, trust, and support, the researchers
owe them tremendously for the success of this study. With grateful heart, the
researchers extend to them the sincere Thank You.

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………………... ii
CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL SHEET…………………………………. ii
CERTIFICATION OF ORIGINALITY………………………………………….. iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS………………………………………………………... v
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………. xi
LIST OF TABLES..………………………………………………………………. xiii
LIST OF FIGURES...……………………………………………………………. xiv

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES vi
Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction……………………………………………...……9
Theoretical Framework……………………………………...10
Statement of the Problem…………………………………...11
Scope and Limitation of the Study………………………….12
Significance of the Study…………………………………….13
Definition of Terms……………………………………………14
Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Review of Related Literature and Studies….……………..15
Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Method of Research………….…………………………….....22
Population, Sample Size, and Sampling Technique……….23
Description of Respondents……..…………………………....23
Research Instrument…………………………………………..24
Ethical Consideration ……….…………………………..........24
Data-Gathering Procedure……..……………………………..25
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES vii
Data Analysis Plan ……….…………………………...……….26
Chapter 4 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Demographic Profile of Respondents………………………...27
Themes…………………………………………………….…….29
Chapter 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Findings…………………………….…………………………...38
Conclusions………………………..……………………….......39
Recommendations……………………………………………..40
REFERENCES/WORK CITED…...………………………………………….41
APPENDICES
Appendix 7 Curriculum Vitae………………………………..44

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Title Page
1 Demograhics of Participants 32
xiv
9
Chapter I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Overcoming this kind of phenomenon is actually hard for many people who
really have a strong bond to their love ones. Getting used on a certain environment
then sudden adjustment for a new one encounters dilemma of adapting. According to
the research of University of Hawaii, (2018), students are often experience
homesickness and other kinds of discomfort and distress related to adjusting to new
living situations, increased academic demands, changes in relationships, and
adaptation to sometimes unfamiliar roles and responsibilities that are part of
independently managing their own lives at college. Homesickness can affect
cognitively, physically, emotionally and behavior of oneself. Sufferers may be severely
hampered in their professional and private life because it is impossible for them to
spend one or more nights outside their home even accompanied by their family.
Research shows that up to 70% of students will experience homesickness in their
early days at university. It is a normal part of the experience leaving home.
Even a mild homesickness deserves careful attention. Many must be reminded of
emotional needs at a time of stress.
Coping to new environment, peers, culture, settings and such is a great factor
in overcoming homesickness. Also, knowing what others do in times of distress could
help overcoming it. Researchers eagerly find those strategies of freshmen students in
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 10
order to help the next batch of students coming from different provinces and/or
country.
Theoretical Framework
According to Psychological Theory namely Sense of belongingness allow as to
navigate through life without feeling alone. It can create value in life and ability to learn
coping skills when experiencing a painful emotion. This is a human need that is
important as food, shelter, and water.
Behavioral Psychology is a theory of learning based on the idea that all
behaviors are acquired through conditioning. It occurs through interactions with the
people around you. This theory believes that our responses to environmental stimuli
shape our actions. Strict behaviorists believed that any person can potentially be
trained to perform any task regardless of genetic background, personality traits, and
internal thoughts. It only requires the right conditioning.

Statement of the Problem
1. What is the demographic profile of the participants in terms of:
1.1. Sex
1.2 Age
1.3 Ordinal Position
1.4 Strand
2. Why the students chose to study in Manila instead of studying in their perspective
provinces?
3. How do they maintain their relationships with their:
3.1 Family
3.2 Friends
4. How do they keep up in terms of:
4.1. Studies
4.2. Environment:
4.2.1. Peers
4.2.2. Place
5. How do they deal:
5.1. Loneliness
5.2. Celebration
5.3. Sickness
6. How do they manage their homesickness when they are feeling:
6.1 Anxious
6.2 Depressed
Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study focuses coping strategies on homesickness among selected
freshmen students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines. It is only limited to at
least five (5) freshmen participants that studies in Polytechnic University of the
Philippines Senior High School who opted to live away from home. It particularly
investigated on the strategies they use to cope when experiencing homesickness,
reason of studying in Manila rather than in school nearby their home, their adjustments
in Academic and Environment and how they deal with loneliness, celebration and
sickness. And since the study is limited to those who are currently enrolled during the
Second Semester of School Year 2018-2019 in Polytechnic University of the
Philippines Senior High School, the results of this study cannot be generalized to other
colleges or universities either in the Philippines or abroad.

Significance of the Study
This study is significant to the following:
The Students, this study may help the students on handling and coping with
their homesickness.
The Teachers/Professors, this study may help the teachers on how to handle
students with homesickness and might help them cope and handle it.
The Parents, this study may serve as a guide for parents on how to help their
children cope up with homesickness.
The Future Researchers, this research will be a useful reference for other
researchers that would want to make a study regarding homesickness among
freshmen students.
Definition of Terms
For the better understanding of the readers, terms here are operationally
defined by researchers
Cope - deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties
Homesickness - a feeling of longing from one’s home during a period of absence
from it.
Input - the act or process of putting in
Output - the act, process or an instance of producing
Peer - a person who is a person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications,
age, background, and social status.
Process - a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular ending
Strategy - the art and science of planning and marshalling resources for their most
efficient and effective use

Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
This chapter entails the review of related literature and studies which the
researchers have probed to convey the content of the topic under study.
According to Hack-Polay (2012), moving away from home has always led
people to feeling homesick. As the result of his interview among the 30 migrant
workers, all of them are experiencing homesickness. Moreover, homesickness was
found to cause psychological and social disruptions in migrant workers and
expatriates. In accord with studies of children and adolescents, studies of university
students living away from home suggest that homesickness is most commonly
associated with anxiety and depression. Illustrating that it could lead the child or the
adolescent to a more difficult situation.
Homesickness can be an overwhelming, paralyzing feeling. Yearning for the
familiar but absent, whether it is the company of old friends or the faces of family
members long gone, beloved past comforts and the sight of certain scenes, the taste
and smell of particular foods from one’s motherland, or one’s childhood, can leave a
person prostrate with manic longing, melancholy and profoundly depressed. The
impact is visceral.
According to (C.A. Thurber & E.A. Walton, 2011), Homesickness is defined as
the distress or impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home,
it carries the unique hallmark of preoccupying thoughts of home and attachment
objects.” And as defined by (D. H. Polay, 2012), “homesickness is a commonly
experienced state of distress among those who have left home and find themselves
in a new and unfamiliar environment. It is a big stressor that can cause ill-health in the
people affected.” Majority of the people miss something about their homes when they
are away, making homesickness a universal experience and not something to worry
about. In its mild form, homesickness generates healthy attachment behaviors such
as contacting loved ones back at home.
Getting a good quality of education is important especially in today's
competitive world. This is the reason why there are many students are more than
eager to go at the universities. It gives them feeling of both excitement and anxiety.
Transition to university life is often looked upon as a positive event. However, the
changes that result can at times be stressful for the student. This stress creates
feelings of homesickness and the intense desire to return home.
According to Calaguas, G. (2014) one of the major factor that can affect a
senior high school freshmen's adjustment is moving away from their home. The
transition from junior high school to senior high school at the university is a stressful
experience. The fact that they are leaving their homes they already have high
expectations. The experience of adjustment and the anxiety among freshmen do vary
greatly. For some, the fear is easily overcome when adapting to new environment
while others it may take longer.
Worldwide, approximately 3 million students study abroad at university level, in
addition to those who stay in their country but move away to study (Rienties,
Beausaert, Grohnert, Niemantsverdriet, & Kommers, 2012). Also, 60 percent of new
enrollments experiencing homesickness. Common traits of homesickness includes
loneliness, missing friends/family, difficulty adjusting to a new home and recurring
thoughts of one’s home. Which leads them to many serious problems such as anxiety,
difficulties in focusing, depression, withdrawal, physical health problems and socio-
cultural adjustment issues. These possibilities are great factor or reason not to
disregard homesickness.
In other cases, for domestic and international university students, intense
homesickness is particularly problematic. This can actually worsen preexisting mood
and other specific disorders, precipitate new mental and physical health problems,
and sometimes lead to withdrawal from school, (Christopher Thurber & Edward
Walton, 2012). With these problems, their studies would be affected and also, their
lives and experiences would be worse. Prevention is a must for those who are already
showing signs of having this on their first year in college or university.
In today’s education systems ranging from elementary to tertiary level, students
are faced with several challengers. College students must realize that college can be
demanding because of the amount of homework that is due in a short amount of time
and therefore, it is easy to become overwhelmed. College has quizzes, tests, papers,
exams, and project etc. If time is not managed correctly to insure that all of these tasks
are completed, many students will experience stress. According to Macmillan Social
Sciences library research, it was found that 70% of college students say that their
grades have a direct effect on their level of stress.
In education system, adolescents are those receiving education in junior high
schools, senior high schools, vocational high schools, colleges or universities. Due to
fast physical changes and mental development at this stage, students may sometimes
experience incompatibility of their mental development with their physical changes or
with the social environment and thus suffer from problems arising from inadequate
adaptations. These problems may further cause psychological troubles and even
induce deviant behaviors. In modern society, stress has become a part and parcel of
life. Pinel (2003) defines stress as a physiological response to perceived threat. It
therefore has negative effects on life's pressures and events the brain is familiar with
stress, a physical reaction was triggered and it easily damages the memory, which
may lead to further mental reactions or misconduct. A student’s life is subjected to
different kinds of stressors, such as the pressure of academics with an obligation of
success, uncertain future and difficulties envisaged for integration into the college
system. These students face social, emotional and physical and family problems
which may affect their learning ability and academic performance (Fish and Nies,
1996; Chew-Graham et al., 2003). Stress levels among college students are higher
than those of people at any other stage of life, a poll has found. In addition, the poll
found that college students have a higher predisposition toward experiencing
depression sometime during their four years at college (David, 2009). A healthy
lifestyle is an essential companion to any stress-reduction program. Stress occurs
when pressure exceeds beyond its perceived ability to cope. Stress is the body's
reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or
response.
The Filipino family experiences fellow feeling or being involved in family
matters. What happens to one happens to all. The family members experience as “we
“not as separate individuals. This is an affirmation of family ties (Panopio and Rolda
2000).This will prove some difficulties later when parents send their children to school
most especially to a university that is far from home. To Filipino parents, a university
degree is a more lasting inheritance than any property they could possibly give to their
children. You will never lose it, they say. The price of finishing a college education is
probably highest in our culture, especially among families that are financially
challenged. Thus, it is expected parents wanting their children to enter pre-school and
complete at least a bachelor degree. It is easier said than done because as children
start to embark their life in the academe, they are usually unprepared of what
endeavors they would likely to face after high school graduation and what life awaits
them as they eagerly enter the university. They will be faced with many challenges but
the most highlighting among them is the transition process where their level of
adaptation with regards to their personality, intellects and social aspect is really put to
test.
There are many coping styles that people use, and some may prove more
effective than others, depending on the nature of the stressful situation and the person
who is employing them. Ineffective coping mechanisms, also referred to as
maladaptive coping, may also be applied to stressful events or internal conflict, often
unconsciously. Maladaptive coping mechanisms are counterproductive.
Some identified coping mechanisms of Filipinos as listed in Table 12 in the
book From Victims to Survivors by Lourdes Ladrido Ignacio, MD and Antonio P.
Perlas, MD, MPH are the following: Spirituality, Bayanihan/cooperative endeavor,
Concern for the welfare of others especially family members and how they can be
helped, Gathering of family members, Over-activity (overextension of one’s capacity),
Doing relaxing activities/recreation, Creativity, Humor/laughter,
Passivity/dependency, Anger and blaming others, Suspiciousness, Smoking, Drinking
alcoholic beverages, Crying and Denial of the pain and gravity of the situation
When you are moving to other place for your education, they don't tell you what
you will actually miss. Instead, they keep on telling you what you will supposedly gain.
A better life, the ability to learn more, the openness of city streets, that you will have
a good job in future, and the brighter future awaits (Priscila, 2016).
Psychological support and guidance aimed at alleviating the feeling of
homesickness may be needed by those experiencing it (Duru & Balkis, 2013). This is
so because positive adjustment to separation from home is necessary to nurture new
relationships and prepare young adults to be successful.

Intense homesickness is painful and problematic. People who experience
homesickness have higher tendencies to suffer from depression, have high levels of
anxiety and a difficulty focusing on things which are not related to home. In some
cases, particularly to international university students, they experience mood and
anxiety disorders, mental and physical health problems and sometimes lead to less
attachment to school (C.A. Thurber & E.A. Walton, 2011). Researches about
homesickness has come a long way, there are several treatment suggestions, but it
seems like going back home is not a practical response to homesickness. There are
prevention and treatment strategies offered to help ensure the emotional state of the
person. Homesickness is common among displaced, socially disorientated and
isolated people.
Chapter III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter discusses on how the researchers gathered the data needed for
the research entitled Coping strategies for Homesickness among Senior High School
Freshmen Students in Polytechnic University of the Philippines A.Y. 2018-2019.
This chapter also comprises the methods the researchers would use to conduct
the study, where the researchers will dispute about the Method of Research,
Population, Sample Size and Sampling Technique, Description of the Respondents,
Research Instrument and Data Gathering Procedure.
Method of Research
This research is a Qualitative research. It is a method of inquiry employed in
many different academic disciplines. The aim of qualitative research may vary with the
disciplinary background such as psychologist seeking to gather an in depth
understanding of human behavior.
Population, Sample Size and Sampling Technique
There are ___ freshmen senior high school students in Polytechnic University
of the Philippines and the researchers are targeting to interview at least 5 freshmen
senior high school students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines A.Y.
2018-2019.
The criteria for each participant are they should be a, senior high school
freshmen from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, they should be currently living
in an apartment or dormitory and they should be from various provinces.
The researchers came out on a decision to use Purposive Sampling, also
known as judgmental or selective sampling, it is a non-probability sampling that is
based on specific characteristics of a population that are of interest, which will best
benefit the study.
Description of Participants
The description of the participants were the enrolled students of Polytechnic
University of the Philippines Grade 11 students who are maybe experiencing
homesickness or is currently living in a dormitory, away from their family. They can be
in any biological gender, any age range and in no required ordinal position.
Research Instrument
The research instrument that the researchers used is an interview with
questions that revolves around homesickness. It enabled the researchers to obtain
informations such as age, sex, ordinal position and their thoughts and ideas about and
homesickness and other things related to it. Names and personal informations will not
be published without the knowledge of the participant.
Interview is a method that is widely used in researching; it is a formal
conversation between two people (the interviewer and the interviewee) where
questions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information. Interviews often give
additional insights to the researchers that will be used in the study. Open Ended
Questions were used for the interview to let the participants answer broadly and freely,
and it also lets the participants share their different views and opinions regarding the
topics and questions asked.
Ethical Consideration
It is imperative that ethical issues are considered during the data gathering. In
this study the participants will be handled in agreement with the ethical guidelines.
The following should be considered:
 Informed Consent, this means that the participant is fully aware of what
the study is for and how it will be used. The main purpose of Informed
Consent is whether the participant will decide if she/he is willing or not
to participate on the study.
 Voluntary Participation, this means that the participant has the right to
withdraw anytime in the study without any explanation and without
having hard feelings to any of the researchers involve.
 Do No Harm, it is imperative that the data gathering process did not in
any way harm, physical or psychological, the participants. This is in line
with the study, since this is about the coping strategies of the students,
this might influence the psychological well-being of the participants.
 Confidentiality, this means that the participants are assured that their
information are well secured by the researchers and will not be
published and used if not informed.
 Anonymity, this means that the researchers will not state their names
and will not publicize their faces unless they are asked for consent.
 Only assess relevant components, this means that components and
questions that will be asked are only those that are relevant in this study.
It is important to remain focused on the essential data needed for the
study.
Data-Gathering Plan
The data will be gathered first by getting information in various websites. In
December 2018, the researchers formulated questions for the interview of some
Senior High School Freshmen in Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The
questions in the interview were about strategies on how they cope with homesickness.
The main source of data for this study was from the interviews. Through
interviews, the researchers gathered informations from the participants which would
be beneficial for the study. A semi-structured interview was used, wherein the
researchers followed a list of questions, but they also asked some supporting
questions to get more details about the participants’ thoughts and feelings. The
interviews were conducted as Focus Group Discussions since there are four
researchers present and one interviewee at at time.
First, the researchers made questions that are related to how and what the
respondents do on specific instances. Then, the said questions were edited and
consulted by the professor in charged in the subject, Inquiries Investigation and
Immersion. The researchers started finding respondents that are qualified on the said
research in Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The researchers conducted

interviews around the main building where they are composed mostly of STEM
students. The following day, the researchers went to the Condotel Building to look for
more participants, where almost all the freshmen students in different strands are
there and continued the interview.
Data Analysis Plan
A semi-structured interview that consists of 19 questions with some follow-up
questions, was conducted. During the whole interview, everything was voice recorded,
with full consent from the participants, to have a good analysis of data. After all the
data was gathered, we had to transcribe the whole interview and since it was in
Filipino, we had to translate the whole thing. After that we organized and categorized
the answers thematically in a realist way wherein we focused on reporting and
encoding and assumed reality evident in their answers.

Chapter IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
The purpose of this study was to examine the coping strategies of students who
live in dormitories. It further examined whether demographic variables such as Age,
Ordinal Position and Province they came from.
There are six participants. All were form Polytechnic University of the
Philippines Senior High School ranging from ages 16-17. All of them were female. The
respondents doesn`t have the same strand that they are currently taking up three of
them are from Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics, two of them from
Humanities and Social Sciences, and one is from Arts and Design Track. The
researchers also asked them about their ordinal position in the family, three are the
eldest child, two are the youngest and the other one is a middle child. There is a total
of 6 senior high school freshmen students that has been considered as a participant
in this research. The demographics of the participants can be seen below in Figure 1.
n
Age - 16 years old - 5
- 17 years old - 1
Strand - ADT - 1
- HUMSS - 2
- STEM - 3
Ordinal Position - Eldest Child - 3

- Middle Child - 1
- Youngest Child - 2
Sex - Female - 6
Figure 1 Demographics of Participants
This qualitative research allowed us to get information about the coping
mechanisms used by the senior high school freshmen students. The researchers have
explored as to why they are studying here in manila. The following report will help the
readers to get to know more about the background of the participants:
Participant 1 is Gellie A. Mangume from STEM 11-06 is a 16-year-old girl from
Tarlac. She is the youngest in the family. She chose PUP instead of the school in
Tarlac province because of the influence of her cousin.
Participant 2 is Ericka Lai G. Lapid from STEM 11-08 is a 16-year-old girl from
Pampanga. She is the oldest on her siblings. She chose PUP instead of other school
in Pampanga because her mom wants her to study in PUP.
Participant 3 is Fatima B. Rodrigo from STEM 11-12 is a 16-year-old girl from
Aurora. She is the second among her siblings. She chose PUP instead of other school
in Aurora because of her parent's decision
Participant 4 is Alzeah Janune D. Ney from ADT 11-12 is a 16-year-old girl
from Marinduque. She is the oldest among her siblings. She chose PUP instead of
other school in Marinduque because her parents told her there's a lot of opportunities
in University.
Participant 5 is Kae Kristel P. Muñoz from HUMSS 11-02 is a 16-year-old girl
from Bulacan. She is the youngest among her siblings. She chose PUP instead of
other school in Bulacan because she is after the quality of education here in PUP.
Participant 6 is Paula Marie F. Macalinao from HUMSS 11-02 is a 17 years
old girl from Pampanga. She is the oldest among her siblings. She chose PUP instead
of other schools in Pampanga because she considers that studying here in PUP is a
privilege, so she grabbed the opportunity.
THEMES
The researchers categorized the gathered data into 10 classifications.
The data gathered was divided into 10 themes which are: Family Relationship,
Friendship, Schooling, Adjusting and different Personal Strategies.
Theme one: Family Relationship
Family Relationship is the most valued relationship in the participants’
lives. They are trying their best to maintain a stronger relationship with their family
even if they do not live together.
Living away from their family helped them to build and establish a better
relationship. As participant 4 said “kasi dati po di naman ako ganon ka-open pero nung
parang humiwalay po ako, parang naging open.” Since they are living away, they
learned to express their feelings more, even participant 2 said “kasi dati po talaga,
parang hindi ko po shino-show yung love ko sa kanila, as in, pero ngayon po parang
naging clingy ako, na parang kapag nandon po ako sa bahay namin sa Pampanga.”
Before, they took family relationships for granted because they feel their family’s
presence every day and they do not feel something missing. As what participant 6
said, “kasi dati parang nata-take for granted mo sila kasi kasama mo naman sila
palagi, hindi na importante yung time kasi nga inuuwian mo sila, pero kasi, kapag
malayo ka dun mo palang mare-realize yung excitement na mararamdaman mo ‘pag
sila yung kasama mo.” The participants build a better relationship with their family and
became more open on what is happening on their lives when they started to live away,
because they are more longing for their family members’ presence due to their
absence, compared before when they are still living together the presence was taken
for granted.
Theme two: Schooling
Schooling is the main reason why they choose to live here. Studying is one of
their priorities here. But at times it becomes a hindrance from studying just like what
participant 1 said, “minsan mas ginugusto ko nalang po na makipag video call,
makipag usap imbes po na mag review.” When studying we motivations or support
system as what participant 3 said, “kasi pag minsan po nagd-dorm parang walang
magsasabi sayo na gawin mo na yang requirements mo. Yung para pong magtutulak
sayo na magreview ka.” There are also times that excelling in school becomes their
motivation and their source of strength, just like participant 2 said, “parang mas
ginagalingan ko na lang po ngayon, para na rin po sa family, para maging proud sila
sakin.” And there are also times they use their time alone to focused more on their
studies as what participant 6 said, “ah kailangan na mag-aral pa ‘ko ng mabuti, kasi
nga lumayo ka to study, hindi naman kung ano pa yung iba mong dapat gawin.” The
participants said that being independent gives them more perseverance and
motivation to study more because they are alone and there is no one to help them. It
does not hinder them in excelling academically because thinking about their family is
their motivation.
Theme three: Adjusting
Being in a new place is hard so we need to adapt and adjust to where we moved
in. Adjusting in their new environment is a challenge that the participants faced. As
participant 2 said, “Opo, (I am comfortable) pero ‘pag outside the campus syempre
hindi po tayo komportable knowing na pwedeng may mangyaring masama or what.”
They are mostly comfortable in the new place but still, they have constant fear in the
people within the environment. Adjusting in terms of their new peers are different, they
have different strategies like what participant 3 said, “yung ano na lang po paniniwala
nila, i-respect na lang po, kasi magkakaiba po talaga ng pananaw bawat tao” since
people have different cultures and beliefs. It is easier to adjust because the people
have the same interests just like participant 4 said, “Hindi naman po naging mahirap
kasi po lahat po kami into arts, kaya po madali rin pong nagkaunawaan.” In the end
according to participant 6, “io-open mo yung sarili mo, lalo na kapag kasi ino-pen mo
yung sarili mo sa ibang tao mas marami ka pang learnings na matutunan kasi ‘pag in-
enclose ko yung sarili mo sa kung ano rin yung alam nila paano ka pa maggrow at
matuto sa iba” it is still up to yourself if you are willing to open and interact with one
another.
Theme four: Personal Coping Strategies when Missing Family
It is hard to be away from your family because a part of you is missing.
The participants experienced difficulties in relation to homesickness and missing their
family. There are times that they miss out on things because they are talking to their
family or they are in the province. When doing the interview, the researchers asked
the participants what they do during the times that they miss their family. Participant
1 said, “Nag vivideo call po.” Participant 2 said, “Ano po, video call lang with them.”
Participant 3 said, “Chat, tawag, minsan po video chat.” Participant 4 said, “tawag.”
Participant 5 said, “parang ic-chat ko sila kung may active man ganon, tapos
kakamustahin ko.” “Participant 6 said “ah tatawag. lagi kaming tinatawagan every
night, pag-uwi.” As you can see, there are similitarities with the things the participants
do when they miss their family. Clearly, they communicate with their families using
technology may it be through chat, video chat or call.

Theme five: Personal Coping Strategies when Missing Friends
Friends and Peers are a vital part of a teenager’s life which most of our
participants are. Since they are attending school away from where they came from,
they will be away from their friends. They might constantly search for people that are
like their friends just like what participant 5 said, “kahapon po ano miss na miss ko na
sila parang umiyak na ko kasi nga po parang iba nga po dito sa HUMSS parang ang
lungkot lungkot parang di katulad talaga noong dati.” On maintaining relationships with
their friends, each participant has different strategies that they do when they miss their
friends, others prefer physical connection and interaction and they opt to meet with
each other personally just like what participant 1 does, she said, “Kapag umuuwi po
ako nagmimeet po kami. Lumalabas labas po kami tapos ginagawa naming yung mga
dati naming ginagawa. Tapos nag arrange po sila nung Christmas party naming last
December po.” Others prefer online interaction and just catch-up virtually, through
online messaging and video calling just like what participant 3 does, she said, “chat
po tapos sa text saka tawag.”
Theme six: Personal Coping Strategies when missing the Province
The ambiance of the province compared to the ambiance here in Manila
is very different, from the serene surroundings in the countryside to busy streets here
in Manila. One who just moved will surely get shocked and will miss the tranquility of
the province. The ambiance of their respective provinces contributes to why they
feel homesick, here’s what they do when they miss the feeling back home. Participant
5 said, “nagkkwento talaga ko sa mga kaklase ko ‘uy ganyan kami, ganyan kami sa
Bulacan” Others still want to feel the ambiance of their province just like participant 3,
“Nagpupunta po sa lugar na tahimik. Parang hinahanap ko po yung kagaya doon” and
participant 1, “Mahilig po kasi kami tumambay sa kusina sa amin kaya po dinidistract
ko nalang po ang sarili ko sa pagluluto.” Others do not miss their respective provinces
because they feel like the ambiance is just the same and they go back home every
time possible.
Theme seven: Personal Coping Strategies during celebration
Celebrating is acknowledging our achievements in school such as being
in the honor roll or getting a perfect score in an exam. Treating yourself like buying
comfort foods is one of the ways in celebrating your achievements. As for what
participant 1 said, “Bibili po ako ng pagkain na gusto ko kahit konti lang po yung
allowance. Syempre irereward mo naman yung sarili mo para sumaya ka naman.”
Others do not treat themselves with material things or food, but they treat these
achievements as self-fulfillment and it makes them proud of themselves, just like what
participant 6 said, “ngayon ‘pag may achievement ka parang fulfillment na sa sarili
mo, ‘ah nagawa ko ‘to kahit mag-isa lang ako.” Others do not celebrate it at all, just
like what participant 3 said, “Di po, di cinecelebrate. i-ano lang, isesend.” Truly, there
are several things on how the participants celebrate their achievements.
On the other hand, there is another kind of celebration. Celebrations
such as birthdays, fiestas and the likes. The researchers asked the participants on
what they do when there is a celebration back home and they cannot make it.
Participant 1 said, “Video call po tapos sasabihin ko sa kanila na ipagtira nila ako ng
pagkain.” In this kind of strategie, they feel that they still belong and that they are
present in the celebration in their provinces. Others value occasions like birthdays
very much so they wait for the time that they will be free so they can go back home
and celebrate with their family, just like what participant 6 does, “Most of the time, ’pag
may celebration, inaantay nila yung free ako,”
Theme eight: Personal Coping Strategies during Sickness
It is hard when you are sick while you are away from your family. You must deal
with the consequences. It is hard to do something when your body is weak. Since
sickness is inevitable, they have no choice but to deal with it just like participant 1 said
“Iniisip mo na kailangan mo alagaan yung sarili mo.’’ Compared to before, when they
are living with their family, they have someone to take care of them. Now, they are
living alone, and it is new to the participants as what participant 2 said “dati po
masasaktan lang ng konti nandyan na si mama, ngayon po parang ang sakit lang po
para sakin na walang kahit sino na nandon kasi malayo nga po ako sa kanila.” They
became more independent by means of taking good care of themselves. They are still
in the process of getting used to the fact that they have no one to take care of them
when they are sick.
Theme nine: Personal Coping Strategies during Anxious
Anxiety disorder happen to face severe psychological and physiological
distress and it hampers their daily activities, inter-personal relationships and It can
lead to difficulty in staying focused, underachievement and underperformance in their
academic performances. By all means, participant 5 said “wala naman po ano lang
parang wala lang nalulungkot lang, malungkot lang talaga ganun”. But since they are
away from their family and they have no one to make them feel better participant 3
has her own strategy of coping like “iyak lang tapos nagkukulong lang po. At minsan
po kumakain ako ng chocolates.” While participant 6 has her own way of fighting with
her anxiety attacks like “inaatake ako ng anxiety, lalo na malayo ako, ano sumusulat
ako e. Sinusulat ko nalang yung [nararamdaman ko].” They have different strategies
to distract themselves from thinking negative thoughts. Each one of the participants
who are experiencing anxiety attacks has her own way that will compliment to their
personality.
Theme ten: Personal Coping Strategies during Depressed
Depression is a mental disorder. Loss of interest, sleep problems, feeling of
worthlessness, having problems in concentration are symptoms of depression. It
interferes with a person's ability to engage in daily activities. Many people understand
the feelings associated with depression as lacking motivation to get through the day.
None out of six participants have seek help in their mental health even though
participant 4 said “opo” when she was asked if she already experienced depression,
the same with participant 3, she said “opo, nalampasan ko yun by uhm, parang
thinking positive thoughts lang po”. They both experienced being depressed when
they moved in their new environment to study while participant 2 said “hindi pa po.”
The participants needed an outlet like family and friends to share their thoughts with
and that makes them feel better. Each of them has their own experience within their
stay for studying and each of them found their process of overcoming depression.
Chapter V
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents discussion, conclusions and recommendations based on
the data analysed in the previous chapter.
Findings
Based on the results gathered, the following findings are hereby presented:
1. Majority of the participants who are living away from their family are female and
first-born child.
2. Researchers found out that relatives’ opinion can affect the participant’s way of
thinking in deciding where to study.
3. Participants all agreed that being away from their family causes them to
express their affection and that results for a better relationship.
4. In terms of coping with the new environment, participants take their time alone
in focusing on their studies, learning new cultures and believes and socializing
with their new peers.
5. Researchers found out that each participant has has their own strategies in
dealing with loneliness, sickness and celebration, depending on from what
culture they have been raise, what their parents taught them and on
participant’s individual strategic method.
6. In terms of mental health, the longing for a family and loneliness can affect a
student’s mental health.

Conclusions
The study showed how the freshmen students in Senior High School from Polytechnic
University of the Philippines cope with homesickness.
1. First borns have the higher tendency to study away from their family and have
the higher probability of being independent.
2. The students’ decision on finding where to study are influenced by their family.
3. The students build a better relationship with their family when they started to
live separately because they are longing for their family member's presence.
4. Students tend to get out of their comfort zones, they use their solidarity to focus
on their studies.
5. The participants use technology to communicate with their family back home
when they miss them and found out that in order to cope up with homesickness,
they distract themselves.
6. The researcher found out that being away with families can lead to depression.
Therefore, the reserachers conclude that, video calling with their family and friends
makes the student who are living in dormitories cope easily with homesickness.
Recommendations
The following conclusions were offered based on the finding and conclusions drawn
from the study:
1. Students should learn how to manage their time between studying, video-calling or
chatting with their family and friends and going back home.
2. Students’ decision should be considered when choosing where to study for it affects
their well-being and their performance on where they will study.
3. Parents, relatives and friends should maintain a stable connection and constant
communication for it is a vital part in the lives of students that are studying away from
home. Students should not let homesickness be hindrance to excel on academics
4. Students should not let homesickness be hindrance to excel on academics
5. Students should use their solidarity and go out of their comfort zones to be more
strong and independent than before.

REFERENCES/WORK CITED
Calaguas, G., M. (2014). Living away from home: Homesickness as experienced by
college freshmen. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/34841141/Living_away_from_home_Homesickness_as_
experienced_by_college_freshmen
Shravan, Aravind (July 17, 2016) The Psychometric Properties of the Utrecht
Homesickness Scale: A Study of Reliability and Validity retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/34841141/Living_away_from_home_Homesickness_as_
experienced_by_college_freshmen
Paren, Rimmon (May 31, 2016) Coping Mechanism on Problems Encountered By
Students retrieved from
http://rimmoneducationinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2016/05/coping-mechanism-
on-problems.html
Polay, D.H. (2012). When Home Isn’t Home- A Study of Homesickness and Coping
Strategies among Migrant Workers and Expatriates International Journal of
Psychological Studies.
Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272804990_When_Home_Isn't_Home_-
_A_Study_of_Homesickness_and_Coping_Strategies_among_Migrant_Workers_an
d_Expatriates
Thurber, C.A. & Walton, E.A. (2011). Homesickness and Adjustments in University
Students. Journal of American College Health. Retrieved from
https://drchristhurber.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HS-in-
University_JACH_2012.pdf
Peers, C. & Fleer, M. (2013). The Theory of ‘Belonging’: Defining concepts used within
Belonging, Being and Becoming—The Australian Early Years Learning Framework.
Informa. Retrieved from
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00131857.2013.781495?journalCode=
rept20
Cherry, K. (2018). An oveurview of behavioral Psychology. Very Well Mind. Retrieved
from https://www.verywellmind.com/behavioral-psychology-4157183
Duru, E., & Balkis, M. (2013). The psychometric properties of the Utrecht
Homesickness Scale: A study of reliability and validity. Egitim Arastirmalari-Eurasian
Journal of Educational Research, 52, 61-78. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261361472_Duru_E_Balkis_M_2013_The_
psychometric_properties_of_the_Utrecht_Homesickness_Scale_A_study_of_reliabili
ty_and_validity_Egitim_Arastirmalari-
Eurasian_Journal_of_Educational_Research_52_61-78
Appendix 1
CURRICULUM VITAE
Kristine Dianne C. Almanzor
059 Rosal St. Subic Ilaya, Agoncillo, Batangas

Batangas City
#09553672086
almanzorkristine@yahoo.com
PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : October 22, 2000
Birthplace : Batangas Provincial Hospital
Age : 18
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Primary : Agoncillo Montessori School (2007-2013)
Secondary : Governor Feliciano Leviste Memorial National High School (2013-
2017)
: Polytechnic University of the Philippines Senior High School (2017-
Present)
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Agoncillo Montessori School
Grade 1– Top 9
Grade 6- Top 10
Governor Feliciano Leviste Memorial National High School
Grade 10– With Honors
LANGUAGES SPOKEN INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES

· Tagalog - Reading books
· English - Biking
- Watching Movies
COMPUTER SKILLS
· Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint
REFERENCES
Mildred De Villa – Grade 8 Adviser
Lewelie Galiga – Grade 10 Adviser
ALYSA GWYNETH V. LAYACAN

#61 Rivera St. Brgy. Progreso, San Juan City
1500 | Metro Manila
#09270810235
alysagwynethvl@gmail.com
PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : September 04, 2001
Birthplace : Marungko, Angat, Bulacan
Age : 17
Nationality : Filipino
Civil Status : Single
Primary : Colegio De Sta. Monica De Angat (2007-2013)
Secondary : Colegio De Sta. Monica De Angat (2013-2017)
: Polytechnic University of the Philippines Senior High School
(2017-Present)
Colegio De Sta. Monica De Angat
Cluster of 90
Graduated with Honors
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
· Filipino
· English
INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES
· Reading books and novels
· Watching movies and series
COMPUTER SKILLS
· Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint)
REFERENCES
•Ms. Bencie Santos 09430642983
• Mrs. Claribel Espiritu 09178870297
•Ms. Aura Mae Salanap 0925649126
KRISTINE ANN S. REYES

U2050 Blue Residences Brgy. Loyola Heights Katipunan,
Quezon City| 1105
#09270113636
reyeskristineann18@gmail.com
PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : September 18, 2000
Birthplace : San Pablo City Doctors Hospital
Age : 17
Primary : San Marcos Elementary School (2007-2013)
Secondary : Lakes City Christian School (2013-2017)
(2017-Present)
Primary:
Grade 1– Top 5
Grade 2– Top 4
Grade 3– Top 5
Grade 4- Top 5
Grade 5– Top 4
Grade 6– 5th Place in News Writing Filipino in Division’s Schools Press
Conference, Best in Literature and 3rd Honorable Mention
Secondary:
Grade 10– Christian Service Award, Top 7
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
· Filipino
· English
INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES
· Reading books and novels and watching movies and series
COMPUTER SKILLS
· Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint)
REFERENCES
Rev. Isidro T. Sayao, 09302638973
Ms. Fatima Aguilar, 09122605774
Mrs. Annalyn C. Carandang, 09324605774
HANNAH V. SALERA
#22 BAYABAS ST. OLD CABUYAO SAUYO
NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY
09094576814
haneysalera@gmail.com
PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate : February 3, 2000
Birthplace : San Jose Del Monte Bulacan
Age : 18
Primary : Bethel Christian School (2007-2013)
Secondary : Mary and Child Academy (2013-2017)
(2017-Present)

Primary:
Graduated with honors
Secondary:
Graduated with honors
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
· Filipino
· English
COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Publisher)
REFERENCES
Lejan Christine Cruz, 09174678356
Roxette Jumawan, 09178629754
Reina Mae Dungca, 09170489537

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Coping Strategies for Homesickness among

Senior High School Freshmen Students in

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senior High School

Almanzor, Kristine Dianne C.

Layacan, Alysa Gwyneth V.

Reyes, Kristine Ann S.

Philippine Copyright 2019

Almanzor, Kristine Dianne C.

Layacan, Alysa Gwyneth V.

Reyes, Kristine Ann S.

Senior High School

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

referencing and due acknowledgment of the author.