An analysis of the concept of homesickness.

This report analyzes the concept of homesickness, using the pattern for concept analysis presented by Chinn and Jacobs. Concept analysis is a process used to better understand a concept that has been first identified through clinical practice. This concept analysis clarifies and defines the concept of homesickness, and distinguishes homesickness from other concepts, including separation anxiety, school phobia, translocation syndrome, and relocation effects. By carefully defining what homesickness is and what it is not, criteria have emerged so that other instances of similar characteristics can be appropriately labeled. In addition, arising from the literature review and criteria are research questions and nursing interventions.