Preventing and Treating Homesickness

Homesickness is a normative pathology that ranges from benign to severe. It is defined as the distress or impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects. Symptoms of homesickness, including preoccupying thoughts of home, can be predicted, prevented, and treated. This article summarizes the latest clinical research and practice surrounding homesickness in children and adolescents. Equipped with this knowledge, health care providers can train and consult with summer camp directors and staff to properly prepare and treat new and returning campers.