Empty Nest Syndrome in the Indian Context: Effects on Well-Being Among Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract

Background

Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) is a state experienced by parents usually in late middle adulthood when their child/children leave home for studies/marriage/work. In today's world, where children often move away from parental home for higher education, studying this phenomenon becomes important.

Objective

The aim of the current study is to investigate the sociodemographic factors associated with ENS and its impact on wellbeing of middle-aged adults.

Method

Data was collected from 115 parents (purposive sampling), using standardized self-report measures PERMA profiler and the ENS-IF. Statistical analysis was done using t tests, ANOVA and post hoc analysis.

Results

The findings of the study highlighted significant difference in ENS levels across age groups (F_2,112 = 3.713, p < .05), education levels (F_2,112 = 4.114, p < .01) and place of residence (F_2,112 = 3.39, p < .05). Also, higher levels of ENS were found to have significant negative impact (F_2,112 = 3.28, p < .05) on wellbeing of middle aged adults.

Conclusion

The present study emphasizes the need of understanding socio-demographic influences on ENS and importance of fostering interventions to promote the wellbeing of middle-aged empty nesters.

Keywords

Middle adulthood psychological wellbeing Empty Nest Syndrome

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