Empty Nest: The Dynamics of Psychological Well-Being among Old Age Couples

Abstract

The present study sought to analyze the association between depression, anxiety, stress and psychological well-being among old age couples adjusting to an “empty nest”. The following hypotheses were formulated 1) There would be a predictive association between depression and psychological well-being among old age couples during empty nest. 2) There would be a predictive association between anxiety and psychological well-being among old age couples during empty nest 3) There would be a predictive association between stress and psychological well-being among old age couples during empty nest. The participants were chosen via random sampling. The research sample consisted of 300 couples (150 males, 150 females) aged from 50 to 70 years. Data was gathered using consent form, socio demographic form followed by the Depression Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), created by Lovibond, P.F, & Lovibond, S. H. (1995), and the Psychological Well-being Scale by Ryff (1989). The findings suggested there is a significant predictive association between stress, depression, anxiety and psychological well-being among old age couples during empty nest. Findings from the study elaborated the psychosocial dynamics that contributed to the development of comprehensive strategies to improve health interventions for geriatric population with a major focus on the symptoms related to psychological, social and emotional well-being during empty nest.