Relationship between social support and empty nest syndrome in middle-aged women; Iran

Social support is strongly associated with depression. People with empty nest syndrome who live alone have lower quality of life and poorer social relationships. Lack of strong social support may reduce positive feelings and mental health. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between social support and empty nest syndrome in middle-aged women in Ahvaz in 1399.

In this descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study, 600 people were selected as the participants using simple random sampling method during the first six months of 1399. The data were collected using demographic, Yukla loneliness, and Wax social support questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS software.

The frequency of empty nest syndrome was 40% in the study population. The mean age of the subjects in the group with empty nest syndrome was 48-58 years and in the group without empty nest syndrome was 55-63 years. The results showed a significant relationship between empty nest syndrome and social support (P-Value <0.0001).

Empty nest syndrome is very common in the study population and due to its relationship with social support, it is possible to plan to use social support based interventions for prevention and treatment this syndrome.