Empty nest syndrome: A concept analysis.
Concept analysis
empty nest
hybrid
Journal
Journal of education and health promotion
ISSN: 2277-9531
Titre abrégé: J Educ Health Promot
Pays: India
ID NLM: 101593794
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
2024
2024
Historique:
received:
20
06
2023
accepted:
19
08
2023
medline:
23
9
2024
pubmed:
23
9
2024
entrez:
23
9
2024
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
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.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
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.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
METHODS
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.
RESULTS
RESULTS
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.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
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.
Identifiants
pubmed: 39309983
doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_874_23
pii: JEHP-13-269
pmc: PMC11414866
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
269Informations de copyright
Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
There are no conflicts of interest.