Diversity of Empty Nest Response Among Spouses

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VI, June 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Diversity of Empty Nest Response Among Spouses

Dr. Ivy Royo Go
Xavier University, Philippines

Abstract
The objective of this study is to validate the third proposition of the Empty Nest Perspective Theory, which is, “Responses to empty nest stage differ among spouses.” This study utilized a qualitative multiple case study approach. A multiple case study enables the researcher to analyze within each and across sets. Several cases are examined to understand the similarities and differences between cases in a multiple case study. After the analysis of data utilizing qualitative content analysis method, four themes emerged: 1.) Adjustment; 2.) Coping; 3.) Not so empty nest: Keeping in touch with children, 4.) Conquering Loneliness: Strengthening relationships and exploring new roles. Response to empty nest among elderly couples is a combination of negative and positive responses. There is excitement seeing their children moving forward in life and negative emotions like grief, and loneliness. Responses may be diverse yet complement each other.

Keywords: Adjustment, challenges, coping, loneliness, responses

Introduction

Elders, preferably the women undergoing the empty nest experience encounter complicated emotions such as feeling sad, feeling relieved, wondering about oneself, loving children, dealing with missing someone, dealing with transition, coping with anxieties, and denial, seeking supports, and feeling positive. Women are more likely than men to be affected. While mothers in Back’s study (1971) expressed greater agreement between their real self and their appearance to others than did fathers. For women, being free of family obligations may allow them greater ease in accepting themselves for what they are; whereas men, children leaving home makes them more dependent on their work role,

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