A comparative study of homesickness, depression, and internet addiction between native and nonnative students at University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Due to dealing with stress caused by transition from adolescence to adulthood, attempting to adapt themselves with various conditions, maintaining good academic performance, planning for the future, and being away from home, students often encounter high levels of anxiety. Objective: The present study aimed to compare native and nonnative students at University of Sistan and Baluchestan (Iran) considering homesickness, depression, and Internet addition. Materials and Methods: The method of this study was casual-comparative. Among all postgraduate students at University of Sistan and Baluchestan (in the academic year 2015-2016), 204 native and nonnative students were selected using the convenience sampling method and were asked to complete the Archer et al's. Homesickness Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Young Internet Addiction Test. Results: The results indicated statistically significant differences between native and nonnative students such that nonnative students' scores on homesickness and subscales of attachment to home and dissatisfaction with being at the university, Internet addiction and subscales of salience, neglecting work, anticipation, and neglecting social life, and depression were all higher than those of native students. Considering subscales of excessive use and lack of control, no statistically significant difference was found. Conclusion: Given the obtained results, it can be concluded that nonnative students experienced higher levels of homesickness, depression, and Internet addiction. Therefore, providing theoretical and practical guidance on reducing homesickness, depression, and Internet addiction is highly suggested.