Homesickness Among School-Age Children in an Islamic Boarding School Environment: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Homesickness is a common psychological problem experienced by school-age children who live away from home for the first time in an Islamic boarding school (pesantren), with roughly 60–80% of new residents affected to a mild or moderate degree. Purpose: This case study aims to describe the phenomenon of homesickness in a school-age child within a pesantren environment, including its triggering factors, manifestations, and the interventions applied. Methods: The subject was a 10-year-old boy in his first month of residence at a pesantren who presented with crying spells, poor appetite, sleep disturbance, and repeated requests to go home; data were gathered through direct observation, in-depth interviews with the child, his caregiving ustadzah, and his parents, and documentation across his first four weeks of residence. Results: Following personal mentoring, scheduled weekly communication with parents, peer guidance, and a gradual adaptation program, the child's distress symptoms diminished progressively, and by the fourth week he was participating fully in pesantren activities, had formed close friendships, and showed improved independence. Conclusions: With appropriate, comprehensive support from caregivers, peers, and family, school-age children can successfully overcome homesickness and adapt well to pesantren life, an experience t