The Homeland Separation as an Example of a Social and Psychological Migration-Related Problem

Abstract

Objectives: This article presents empirical research results concerning a psychological phenomenon of the migrant homeland separation. Indian students of Penza State University, Russia, took part in the study of their homeland parting experience and their emotions during different stages of adaptation. Methods/Analysis: This research is based on correlation principles of questionnaire results, writing essays, and the HTP test results for each participant. The complex of methods used allows repeated results verification because the questionnaire results confirm results of writing essays and the HTP test. Findings: Moving between countries of residence is accompanied by multiple losses and requires acculturation and integration into the new surroundings. Separation as a social and psychological action is tied to destroying familiar communication forms and makes changes in interpersonal relationship. There is a correspondence between nostalgic emotions and a level of adaptation to new living conditions. At the same time, successful social and psychological adaptation represented by establishing new contacts and achieving professional success usually turns into nostalgic emotions resurging, willing of reuniting with old friends and, as a result, a migrant may wish to return back to his or her country. Novelty/Improvement: Information concerning appearance of nostalgic emotions is especially important because social and psychological adaptation level and intensity of the homeland separation feeling can be relatively unpredictable and unambiguous.