Empty Nest: Catastrophe or Transition
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- Date Submitted: 09/29/2012 08:18 PM
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Abstract
This paper discusses couples in midlife marriage that are transitioning to the empty nest. We identify the social aspects of the marriage relationship and the midlife issues most couples face. We look at those that grieve and those that rejoice, when their nest empties, as well as the characteristics of those prone to depression during this major life event. The biological, psychological and spiritual adjustments that take place are analyzed as well as the varied reactions that parents feel during this time of loss in their lives. Lastly, we discuss the role that the Christian counselor plays and celebrate with those couples who have newfound freedom and have reconnected as a result of their nest empting.
Empty Nest: Catastrophe or Transition
Midlife marriage is a comfortable and rewarding time to experience. Most couples have successfully matured and built a great life together. They have a lot to be thankful for and are proud of the family they’ve raised. One of the major adjustments that occur during this time is when the children they’ve raised reach maturity and leave home. This marks a new beginning for parents known as the empty nest. In the 70s, sociologists popularized the term ‘empty-nest syndrome” to identify parents, especially mothers who experienced depression and loss of purpose and identity when their children left the nest (Clay, 2003). Although women are mentioned as suffering the most when the nest empties, men suffer too. According to Dr. Ilona L. Tobin (2010) “Feelings of loss are not exclusive to women. Men feel just as much loss and may actually be less prepared to deal with those feelings” (para. 5). On the other hand there are parents who look forward to their nest being empty and feel it is beneficial to them and their marriage and to their adult children as well. They enjoy greater freedom, renewed romance and more time to do what they want. Whether parents view the empty nest as...
This paper discusses couples in midlife marriage that are transitioning to the empty nest. We identify the social aspects of the marriage relationship and the midlife issues most couples face. We look at those that grieve and those that rejoice, when their nest empties, as well as the characteristics of those prone to depression during this major life event. The biological, psychological and spiritual adjustments that take place are analyzed as well as the varied reactions that parents feel during this time of loss in their lives. Lastly, we discuss the role that the Christian counselor plays and celebrate with those couples who have newfound freedom and have reconnected as a result of their nest empting.
Empty Nest: Catastrophe or Transition
Midlife marriage is a comfortable and rewarding time to experience. Most couples have successfully matured and built a great life together. They have a lot to be thankful for and are proud of the family they’ve raised. One of the major adjustments that occur during this time is when the children they’ve raised reach maturity and leave home. This marks a new beginning for parents known as the empty nest. In the 70s, sociologists popularized the term ‘empty-nest syndrome” to identify parents, especially mothers who experienced depression and loss of purpose and identity when their children left the nest (Clay, 2003). Although women are mentioned as suffering the most when the nest empties, men suffer too. According to Dr. Ilona L. Tobin (2010) “Feelings of loss are not exclusive to women. Men feel just as much loss and may actually be less prepared to deal with those feelings” (para. 5). On the other hand there are parents who look forward to their nest being empty and feel it is beneficial to them and their marriage and to their adult children as well. They enjoy greater freedom, renewed romance and more time to do what they want. Whether parents view the empty nest as...