Effects of Empty Nest Transition on Self-Report of Psychological and Physical Well-Being

This study addresses three major limitations of previous research: empty nest is considered a transitional rather than an enduring state; subjective definitions are considered as well as high school graduation by the youngest child; and target groups of women at high risk for crises are explored. Results indicate that: (1) empty nest effects on well-being are slight and have largely disappeared two years following the event; (2) there is no effect of the transition on physical well-being and a positive effect on psychological well-being; and (3) being off-schedule with respect to the expected timing of the transition appears to have adverse effects.