DIGITAL SELF-DISCLOSURE, EMOTIONAL ADJUSTMENT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: A CONTEMPORARY ANALYSIS OF HOMESICKNESS AND DEPRESSION AMONG HOSTEL RESIDENTS

Abstract

The current study sought to understand the connection between depressed tendencies, homesickness, and self-disclosure among students living in hostels. Additionally, the study variables were examined in relation to age, gender, education, prior exposure to hostels, socioeconomic level, kind of hostel, and family system. The sample (N=310) consisted of 16–32-year-old hostel residents. The data gathered from hostel residents using purposive sampling methods. Study factors were evaluated using the Self-Disclosure Scale (Magno, Cuason, and Figueroa, 2008), Homesickness Scale (Archer et al., 1998), and Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale DASS-21 (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). For every measure, alpha reliabilities were determined to be acceptable. According to study findings, among students living in hostels, self-disclosure significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing homesickness and depressed symptoms. Depressive tendencies are positively correlated with homesickness. When comparing participants by gender, it was found that female had more homesickness and those male students, scored higher on self- disclosure. In terms of homesickness and depressed inclinations, the means difference significantly, with those who had prior hostel exposure scoring higher. This research could be useful in educational and clinical settings to help university students learn to cope with their situation.