Empty Nest Syndrome Research Articles

Classroom Management Strategies for Female Teachers Experiencing Empty-NEST

Classroom management is an important, and can impact on an individual's entire life. Classroom management can be influenced by psychological conditions, one of which is empty-nest syndrome. This objective aims to understand classroom management strategies for female teachers who experience an empty-nest. The method in this research is a qualitative, involving two participants who are 50 years old and work as teachers. Data collection used was in-depth interview techniques. The research results show that each individual has their own meaning and experience. Some can apply classroom management strategies positively, but there are also those who interpret them negatively. This will have an impact on all learning conditions, class conditions, and also teacher and student communication. Positive meaning will increase a conducive learning environment, accompanied by positive relationship patterns. This research has implications for the urgency of classroom management and empty-nests for female teachers Keywords: classroom management strategies, empty-nest, female teacher

Prevalence and associated factors of geriatric depression among institutionalised senior citizens: a cross-sectional study

Background: Ageing is an inevitable process. As a result of empty nest syndrome, the senior citizens of Kerala, are forced for institutionalization. Prevalence of mental morbidity among institutionalized senior citizens outnumbers those living in families. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric morbidities among senior citizens. The present study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with geriatric depression among institutionalized senior citizens of Ernakulam district. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over a period of 3 months among 238 institutionalised senior citizens aged 60 years and above using geriatric depression scale- short form (GDS-SF). Data was entered and analysed using SPSS. Results: Among participants, 23.11% reported mild depression, 4.20% had moderate and 7.14% had severe depression. Chi-square test was used to study the association of various factors with geriatric depression. Previous employment status, source of income, frequency of visit by relatives, contact with relatives through phone, duration of leisure time activities and sleep quality showed a statistically significant association. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for regular screening activities. Further research is necessary on identification of modifiable risk factors.

Empty nest syndrome: A concept analysis.

Empty nest syndrome (ENS) is parents' experience to their children leaving home. Considering the lack of a clear definition of this concept and its context-based nature, this study aimed to define the ENS concept. A three-phase concept analysis using a hybrid model was used. In the theoretical (first) phase, a literature review was conducted using Scopus, WOS, PubMed, ProQuest, Irandoc, Research.idml, Magiran, and SID, with the search terms "empty nest syndrome," "aged," and "middle-aged," and their synonyms, with no time and language restrictions until the end of 2021. After the screening, 29 relevant articles entered the study. According to the findings of the first phase, the fieldwork (second) phase was directed using the qualitative content analysis approach, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine elderly and middle-aged individuals with an open-ended question. Results from both were included in the final (third) phase. The theoretical phase created an operational definition to guide the fieldwork phase. The fieldwork phase resulted in the emergence of six themes. The final analysis phase formulated a comprehensive definition of this concept: "ENS is a subjective phenomenon that occurs as a result of parents' reaction to their children leaving home." This transition from crisis to self-regaining includes the stages of mourning or resistance reaction, feelings of loss or passive behaviors, sublimation or impulsive behaviors, adaptation, and relief. It initiates with the last child's departure and continues until two years. Exploration of the concept of ENS can be the basis for designing a model or theoretical framework, devising measurement instruments for the concept and its consequences, and developing programs to increase the healthcare team's awareness to identify the problem and conduct appropriate preventive or therapeutic measures.

The Lived Experiences of Iranian Older Adults With Empty Nest Syndrome: A Phenomenological Study

The Lived Experiences of Iranian Older Adults With Empty Nest Syndrome: A Phenomenological Study

Pengaruh Senam Tai Chi terhadap Psychological Wellbeing Lansia di Posyandu Sugih Waras, Desa Ngargorejo, Kecamatan Ngemplak, Boyolali

Abstract Background: Elderly people experience aging which causes changes, especially psychological, experiencing empty nest syndrome, anxiety disorders, depression, loneliness, and other psychological disorders which can affect psychological well-being. Tai Chi is an exercise that can have a positive effect on psychological well-being in sufferers of various chronic diseases, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect of Tai Chi exercise on the psychological well-being of elderly people at Sugih Waras Integrated Health Service Post, Ngargorejo Village, Ngemplak District, Boyolali. Methods: This research is a Pre-Experimental type of quantitative research with a one group pretest-posttest design and purposive sampling technique. Psychological well-being was measured using the Indonesian version of the 18-item Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (RPWB). Data analysis used SPSS version 25. Results: Respondents were dominated by young elderly (73.9%), female (95.7%), housewives (91.3%), individuals with no schooling/not yet finished elementary school (47.8%), widows (69.6%), and individuals living with family (69.6%). The average pre-test and post-test RPWB scores increased by 2.53. The results of the paired sample t-test hypothesis test showed a p-value of 0.000 which is less than 0.05, indicating an influence of Tai Chi exercise on the psychological well-being of the elderly at Sugih Waras Integrated Health Service Post, Ngargorejo Village, Ngemplak District, Boyolali. Conclusion: Tai Chi exercise has an effect on the psychological well-being of the elderly at Sugih Waras Integrated Health Service Post, Ngargorejo Village, Ngemplak District, Boyolali. Keywords : Tai Chi, Psychological Well-being, Elderly

The Impact of Self-Acceptance and Emotional Regulation on the Experience of Empty Nest Syndrome in the Older Adult

One of the crisis phases in families entering the middle age phase is the feeling of losing their role in raising children and feeling empty because the children no longer live in the same house. This term is known as empty nest syndrome. Self-acceptance and emotional regulation play an essential role in the impact of empty nest syndrome experienced by older adults. This research aims to prove the further impact of self-acceptance and emotional regulation on the experience of empty nest syndrome in older adults. The self-acceptance scale, emotional regulation scale, and empty nest syndrome scale were adapted by the author. The research respondents were 30 older people at the Siti Anna Bangka Belitung Retirement Home. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. From the results of multiple linear regression analysis, it is known that self-acceptance and emotional regulation are related to empty nest syndrome, and simultaneously, self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and empty nest syndrome are significantly associated with each other.

Empty Nest Syndrome: You Might Be Next!!

The empty nest syndrome (ENS) has been a term used in psychology to denote the psychological symptoms that arise when the youngest child leaves the family for work or further studies causing a void in the family leaving the aged parents behind termed as the empty nest. There have been many theories posited to explain the empty nest and multiple view points exist regarding the phenomenon. This phenomenon was described in the 1940s and 1950s and the present review evaluates the existing literature on the ENS in the light of modern era conceptions of human development. The advent of neurobiology and better understanding of menopause and the hormonal changes that ensue have resulted in us having a greater insight into this phenomenon. There are many changes that a couple undergoes in mid life and these all contribute to the ENS in some way or another. Marital and family factors as well as the parent child relationship play a vital role in adjustment to the empty nest situation. This review also tries to explain the validity of a concept like ENS in the modern digital era and in the light of modern relationships and their effect on the mind of the people involved.

Empty Nest Syndrome: Loneliness and Social Support among Middle-aged Parents

This study explored the dynamics of empty nest syndrome and its relationships with middle-aged parents' feelings of loneliness and the need for social support. As the Philippines was known for having this kind of family values, this study explored the different psychological impacts on Filipino parents when their child or children moved out of their nest. This study also aimed to provide a more thorough knowledge of how individuals navigated this transition, which could ultimately direct the creation of solutions to support middle-aged parents in thriving as they got used to the "empty nest" stage. This study utilized the explanatory-sequential mixed method design. Middle-aged parents (40-64 years old) living in specific municipalities of Laguna were the respondents/participants of the study. The sampling method used was convenience and purposeful homogenous sampling, and G*Power was used to compute the suggested sample size. 74 respondents were gathered for the quantitative phase, and 5 participants for the qualitative phase. Two adopted tests were used for quantitative data gathering, and a researcher-made interview guide was used for the qualitative phase. Statistical tools used were frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean, and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient or Spearman rho. Thematic analysis was also used in the qualitative aspect of the study. Results showed that middle-aged parents experiencing empty nest syndrome had a low level of loneliness (mean score 1.96) and received high social support (mean score 5.76). A significant negative correlation (r = -0.680, p < 0.001) existed between social support and loneliness, indicating that increased social support reduced loneliness. The lived experiences of these parents revealed themes such as sadness, coping strategies like social media and spiritual interventions, emotional support from friends, adaptation to social changes, maintaining relationships, and adjusting to new parental roles.

Description of Adjustment in Mothers Who Experience Empty Nest Syndrome

Middle adulthood will experience a phase when children have entered the adult age stage and leave home to get married, work, or continue their education. This phase makes parents, especially mothers, sad and feel lonely because they have not been able to accept the departure of their children, so they experience empty nest syndrome. This study aims to determine the description of adjustment in housewives who experience empty nest syndrome. The method in this research uses qualitative research methods with a case study approach. The subjects of this research were three middle adults who played the role of housewives with an age range of 50-58 years. Data collection was carried out through a process of interviews, observation and documentation. The results of the research showed that the three subjects experienced the characteristics of empty nest syndrome and a picture of adjustment according to the conditions that affected each subject. The three subjects carried out household activities as usual and added new hobbies as a way to control themselves with the empty nest situation they faced. All three subjects had people closest to them who provided support so that they were able to adjust to the departure of their children from home. The conclusion from the research results is that there were 3 research subjects, namely Mrs. S, Mrs. R and Mrs. N who experienced the characteristics of empty nest syndrome and a description of their adjustment according to the conditions that affected each subject. The three subjects carried out household activities as usual and added new hobbies as a way to control themselves with the empty nest situation they faced. All three subjects had people closest to them who provided support so that they were able to adjust to the departure of their children from home.

Perception of School Counsellors on Family Therapy as a Panacea to the Phenomenon of Empty Nest Syndrome in Southwest, Nigeria

This study examined the perception of school counselors on family therapy as a panacea to the phenomenon of empty nest syndrome in Southwest Nigeria. The target population of the study was all school counsellors in Southwest Nigeria. The sample consisted of 1200 school counsellors representing 200 from each of the six states of the Southwest Nigeria using the multi stage sampling approach. A questionnaire was self-developed by the researcher to collect data for the study. The content validity of the instrument was established and the instrument was subjected to reliability test using test retest approach in which Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient formula was used to establish the coefficient. The Coefficient of 0.75 was obtained for the instrument which was considered high enough for the instrument. Four hypotheses were raised to pilot the study and the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Data collected were analyzed using t-test statistics where two means were being compared while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze data where more than two means were being compared. The findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences in respondents’ responses on family counseling as an antidote to empty nest syndrome based on religion [F(2,1197)=8.61;P<.05], years of working experience [F(3,1196)=2.87;p<.05] and educational qualifications [F(3,1196)=3.32;P<.05], but there was no significant difference based on gender of respondents. The findings of this study have implications for school psychologists, school guidance counselors and educationists alike. It was therefore recommended that family therapy should be given a chance by practicing school counselors to help mitigate the effects of empty nest syndrome among parents in Southwest Nigeria. Keywords: School counselors’ perception, Empty nest syndrome, Family therapy.

The second empty nest: The lived experience of older women whose intensive ‘grandmotherhood’ has ended

Grandmothers are the major nonparental unpaid source of childcare in Western societies. Intensive caring for grandchildren may pose challenges to some grandmothers, but also offers an opportunity to refill the ‘empty nest’ often experienced in mid-life. When grandmothers' intensive involvement in their grandchildren's care decreases significantly or ceases altogether, they may experience a recurrence of the empty nest syndrome. This may be particularly powerful in the familial and pro-natalist Israeli society, where caring for children is a central tenet of femininity. Despite the growing numbers of grandmothers whose intensive involvement in caring for their grandchildren has ended, this transition has been overlooked socially and rarely examined empirically. To fill this void, the present study examined the lived experience of these grandmothers and the relevance of the concept of the ‘second empty nest’ in this context. Within a phenomenological study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 Israeli women whose intensive ‘grandmotherhood’ (childcare occurring at least three times per week, for at least two hours each day, for a minimum of two years) has ended. These interviews were analyzed according to Moustakas' phenomenological analysis. The analysis revealed four themes: the circumstances of the cessation of intensive childcare involvement; difficulties and challenges experienced; positive aspects associated with it; and behavioral and cognitive strategies utilized to cope with the void in grandmothers' lives. The grandmothers' experiences reveal a significant similarity to that reported by mothers undergoing the empty nest syndrome. Hence, we offer the term ‘the second empty nest’ to represent the phenomenon of grandmothers' cessation of intensive childcare. Alongside the similarities between the two empty nests, the challenges of the second transition seem more intense than those posed by the first. This is due to the different locations of mothers and grandmothers across the lifespan and the intersection between sexism and ageism that underlies Western societies. Possible practices to assist grandmothers undergoing the second empty nest are suggested.

Cognitive flexibility and emotional self-regulation of the elderly with Empty nest syndrome: Benefits of acceptance and commitment therapy.

Empty nest syndrome (ENS) is a mental condition that affects both parents. When children leave their parents' home, the parents experience such feelings as unhappiness, loss, fear, inability, difficulty in adjusting roles, and changing their relationships. The present study aimed to evaluate the cognitive flexibility and emotional self-regulation of the elderly with ENS: benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The research method was quasi-experimental where a pretest-posttest design was used with a control group. The statistical population included all the elderly with the ENS in Tehran in the academic year of 2019-2020. Thirty of them were selected by convenience sampling method and then stochastically placed in two experimental and control groups. Dennis and VanderWal's Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, and Hofmann and Kashdan's Emotional Self-Regulatory Questionnaire for data collection in the pretest and posttest phases. Group-based ACT was implemented on experimental group members in 8 sessions of 90 min, while controls received no intervention. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 25 and analysis of covariance. The results showed a significant difference between the posttest scores of the experimental and control groups so the group-based ACT increased the cognitive flexibility and emotional self-regulation of the experimental group members (p < 0.05). According to our results, therapists and health professionals can use ACT for interventions related to the health of the elderly with ENS, especially to improve cognitive flexibility and emotional self-regulation.

Komunikasi Visual Kampanye Kesadaran Anak Dewasa Awal Mendukung Ibu pada Fase Sarang Kosong

Abstract The empty nest phase is experienced by the mother in middle adulthood (40-60 years) when the children leave the house and start a new life. This phase creates feelings of discomfort for the mother and has psychological implications. If there’s no proper coping mechanism it can interfere physical health of the mother as well. Social support from children in the form of intensive communication is needed in undergoing this phase. This study aims to design a visual communication awareness campaign for early adulthood supporting mothers in empty nests. This design was carried out using the Design Thinking method (Brown, 2008) which was combined with a message delivery strategy and media selection (Kasilo, 2008) with three major stages: inspiration, ideation, and implementation. The result of the design is visual communication for the awareness campaign entitled “Keluar Sarang” through the media: Instagram Story content, comics in Instagram Multiple Posts, ambient media plates, posters, clothes hangers, mugs, sticker packs, and pillows that are persuasive, communicative, and synergistic. Keywords: Awareness Campaign, Empty Nest Syndrome, Illustration, Visual Communication.

The empty nest syndrome assessment instrument: development and psychometric properties of Persian version among iranian older adults

ABSTRACT Leaving home by children so-called ‘empty nest’ is a crucial event that will affect the parents’ quality of life. This article reports the development and validation of the empty nest syndrome Instrument (ENSAI), an instrument that assessed a set of signs and symptoms specific to parents confronted by the empty nest. Initially, qualitative responses from 41 parents were analyzed and cross-referenced with existing literature on empty nest syndrome to develop 21 items and six factors of Loneliness, Purposelessness, Anxiety-Depression, Insomnia, Grief-Loss, and Incompetency. Following a development phase, the instrument’s psychometric properties were tested on a sample of 210 parents using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFI). EFA revealed six subscales for ENSAI, collectively explaining 79% of the empty nest syndrome variance. All item loadings were ‘good’ to ‘excellent,’ ranging from 0.60 to 0.96. CFA indicated a high goodness of fit for the Persian version of ENSAI.

Social welfare of the older people in rural China in the context of an aging population

The author analyzed the problem of China’s aging population in rural areas. The main characteristics and causes of aging were described, and three typical features of this phenomenon were analyzed. These include the “one-child policy”, “aging”, and “empty nest syndrome”. The author reflected on how to address aging in China and help maintain an appropriate quality of life for senior citizens in rural areas.

Risk Factors Associated with Empty Nest Syndrome in Elderly Women in the Work Area of Public Health Center (Puskesmas) 1 Kembaran Banyumas Regency in 2014

Empty nest syndrome is often experienced by women, especially in nuclear families. Empty nest syndromes are experienced by old age at the time when the cubs last married or left home. The phenomenon of empty nest syndrome is widely experienced by women of advanced age with various diverse forms. This study aims to study the risk factors associated with empty nest syndrome in older women in the Puskesmas l Kembaran Working Area of Banyumas Regency in 2014. This type of research is a quantitative study using a cross-sectional approach with a population of 184 older women. The analysis used is Chi-Square and Logistic Regression. The results showed that the age of older women who experienced empty nest syndrome (63.6%), in the category of elderly old (57.6%), basic education (77.7%), non-work (58.7%) and social activities (93.5%). The results of the Chi-square test obtained variables related to the empty nest syndrome were self-concept (p-value = 0.016), communication with children (p-value = 0.027), and communication with partners (p-value- 0.026). Variables that are not related to the incidence of empty nest syndrome are age (p-value = 0.368), education (p-value = 0.834), occupation (p-value = 0.957) and social activities (p-value = 0.935). According to the logistic regression test results, self-concept is the most dominant variable associated with the empty nest syndrome (p = 0.020. OR = 2.103). The conclusion of the self-concept research is the variable most related to the empty nest syndrome. It is recommended that older women need to increase their social activities. Children should often visit parents or contact them by phone, and posyandu cadres explain the importance of social interaction in posyandu activities for the elderly.

Social care for disabled elderly women in urban China: The roles of the community

This article analyses the provision of community care for urban disabled elderly women. With the emergence of an aging society in China and the empty nest syndrome in Chinese families, the number of elderly people who cannot take care of themselves is increasing. With the reduction in family size and the weakening of the home care function, traditional family care in China is facing immense challenges. On the one hand, a growing number of disabled elderly women are in urgent need of care; they encounter many difficulties in daily life, including poor health status, the loss of their spouse and living alone, an inability to support themselves economically, the lack of a spiritual life, and a significant reliance on their children to take care of them. On the other hand, the family's function of providing for the elderly has been weakened, and the traditional way of care is affected by the changes in modern society. Based on a qualitative study in Beijing, this article examines the demand for care from disabled elderly women and the current supply of community care. It puts forward a community-centred and targeted assistance model and social work intervention. This study argues that the community care system for disabled elderly women in urban areas should focus on four aspects, namely living care, medical care, spiritual consolation, and emergency assistance; and the protection mechanism should be improved to support disabled elderly women from three aspects: a protection system, a fund guarantee and services from health and social care staff and social workers.

The causal association between empty nest and depressive symptoms with cognitive impairments in China

BackgroundIn the context of rapid aging, “empty nest syndrome” is becoming a major public health concern. The causal effects of empty nest on depressive symptoms have been studied in developed countries, but the mediating mechanism of depressive symptoms in the association between empty nest and cognitive impairments has not been studied. This study estimated the causal association of empty nest with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments in China, and then estimated how depression mediates the association between empty nest and cognitive impairments. MethodsUsing data of 23,614 urban older adults (65+) obtained from the Shandong Province Aging and Mental Health Survey in 2020, a weighted linear regression model combined with instrumental variable was applied to explore the causal effects of empty nest, and a four-step mediation model was run to test the mediator of depressive symptoms. The Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to measure cognitive impairments and depressive symptoms. ResultsEmpty nest was associated with 0.13 (95%CI: 0.04–0.23) and 0.23 (95%CI: 0.14–0.33) increases in the Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores, respectively. The association between empty nest and the Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire scores was mediated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores. ConclusionsEmpty nest affected depression in adulthood with cognitive impairments. A focus on integrative intervention for empty nesters is recommended, taking depression and cognition into account. LimitationsIt is a cross-sectional study and the data is not nationally representative.

Psikoedukasi Mindfulness Untuk Mengatasi Empty Nest Syndrome Pada Lansia di Puskesmas Ulak Karang Selatan

This research is motivated by the problem of empty cage syndrome (empty nest syndrome) which is defined as one of the common problems that occur from the transition or adjustment period to lonely situations and this is generally experienced by the elderly, where during this transition period a different pattern occurs. in parents, from being close and getting satisfaction with child care to having to live alone without the presence of children. The purpose of this study was to find out in depth about how the elderly face periods of loneliness or empty nest syndrome and appropriate efforts are made to reduce and prevent it. Respondents who participated in this study amounted to 9 elderly people who visited the Puskesmas Ulak Karang Selatan. This study uses a qualitative-descriptive method, to provide an overview of how the influence of mindfulness psychoeducation on empty nest syndrome in the elderly. The intervention method used is psychoeducation, by providing knowledge about empty nest syndrome and how to deal with it. Data were collected by interview and observation techniques. The results of this study, it was found that the elderly who experienced the nest-korong phase felt acceptance of the conditions experienced, received social support from fellow elderly and to reduce this feeling of loneliness the elderly filled their spare time with positive and beneficial activities for the elderly.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Psychoeducation, mindfulness, empty nest syndrome

Statistical Validation of LENS: A Smartphone-based Empty Nest Syndrome Screening and Monitoring Biomarker Tool

Statistical Validation of LENS: A Smartphone-based Empty Nest Syndrome Screening and Monitoring Biomarker Tool