The empty nest syndrome : a myth or a reality? : the experience of Maltese mothers

Abstract

This study aims to explore the experience of Maltese mothers with regards to the 'empty nest syndrome' when their children leave home. Given that distances in Malta are close and children keep visiting the parents' home (Tabone 1995), the question arises whether mothers in reality suffer the syndrome or whether they are happy to reduce the workload and get on with their lives by pursuing other interests, or doing something they would have been postponing. Hence, the research question is "The empty nest syndrome: a myth or a reality? The experience of Maltese mothers" A qualitative study in the form of a focus group composed of six women was conducted. The study revealed that some mothers do not suffer the 'empty nest syndrome' when their children leave home and remain in Malta, but seem to experience the syndrome when their children go abroad, especially when they leave at a younger age. Furthermore, from the mothers' experience it emerged that their husbands had a harder time dealing with the 'empty nest syndrome'.