UAE: 'Empty nest syndrome' can trigger grieving process in parents, warn leading psychologists

Leaving home to join university or college for the first time marks an exciting new chapter in the lives of many young people – but for their parents, the emotional turmoil can be similar to grief, according to two leading psychologists from the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai.

“It is common at this time of transition for parents to feel a roller coaster of conflicting emotions, including guilt, sorrow, confusion, loneliness, excitement and pride. They can experience pleasure that their child is beginning their adult life, but also a sense of panic that they are no longer in the family home under their direct guidance and supervision", says Dr Shweta Misra, a Clinical Psychologist from the Centre.

This period of adjustment is commonly called ‘empty nest syndrome’, but this is a catch-all term which tends to be used for a very wide-range of emotional reactions. At its worst, the impact on parents can be far-reaching, to the extent that it triggers the grieving process because of the sense of ‘losing’ a child. Denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance are the common stages of grief and in some, this can lead to serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.”

According to research, parents who are more susceptible to empty nest syndrome are those who rely on their parental role for their own self-identity and sense of worth and purpose, and who view their child as a dependent. It can also be compounded by other life events which may be taking place at the same time such as retirement, divorce or the menopause.

Full-time parents – stay at home mothers or fathers – can also be particularly vulnerable. Fathers can also be even less prepared for this emotional transition and may experience increased feelings of guilt over lost opportunities to be involved in their child’s life before they leave home.

However, according to Dr Catherine Musa, a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist also at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, parents may react to their child’s departure in a positive way and embrace defining their new role.

“While it is easy to focus on the negative emotional aspects, parents can also feel reinvigorated and take this opportunity to identify new roles and interests for the next chapter in their life. They understand that parenthood is just one piece of their lifetime identity.

Without the numerous obligations of caring for and raising another human being, a parent can use this new chapter to redefine who they are, dedicate new energy to their careers or areas of interests and, in some cases, renew the marital relationship. Parents can also enjoy building a more mature bond with their adult children that can be deeply satisfying to everyone involved.”

Dr Misra recommends the following steps to help both parents and children successfully navigate this next stage in their lives:

Finally, Dr Musa is keen to emphasise how parents need to let go of any feelings of guilt around their new sense of ‘freedom’ and instead embrace the huge achievement of seeing their child ‘grown and flown’.

• UAE: Excessive use of social media can lead to dissatisfaction, envy, say psychologists