Aged Out: Phenomenological Study on Caregivers That Experienced Empty Nest Syndrome After Orphans Have Aged Out
Type
Thesis
Authors
Category
Thesis-BSP
[ Browse Items ]
Publication Year
2025
Subject
Psychology – Empty Nest Syndrome, Caregiving, Orphan Care, Emotional Attachment
Abstract
This study “Aged Out Phenomenological Study on Caregivers That Experienced
Empty Nest Syndrome After Orphans Have Aged Out”, explores the experiences of
caregivers with symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) due to having the orphan they
have taken care of have Aged Out. ENS is the feelings of grief and sadness a guardian
experiences when the child they have taken care of has left their home to become
independent. The objectives of this study is to: investigate the lived experiences of
caregivers with ENS on Orphans that were aged out, explore the struggles of the caregivers
who experience ENS, and determine the coping strategies that the caregivers do when
dealing with ENS. 10 participants were selected through purposive sampling with three
categories: the participants must be 40 years old or older, they must have taken care of
orphans that aged out for at least 6 months and they must have a score of 105 or below in
the screening test for the study which is Self-acceptance Scale.
The results were able to show 3 core themes from the study. The first theme “The
Caregivers' Transitional Experience” shows that the caregivers form close bonds with the
orphans enough to even treat them as their own child. The second theme “The Unseen
Battles of Caregivers” shows that after the orphan has aged out the caregivers experience
the pain of separation which leaves an emotional toll on them. Lastly, the third theme
“Emotional Anchors During Challenges” do chores to take their minds off the longing and
even participate in activities such as traveling and dancing, through spirituality they are able
to build resilience against the symptoms of ENS. The researchers recommend creating
programs for educating caregivers on the potential dangers of becoming overly attached to
the orphans and the potential risks of developing symptoms of ENS in order to reduce risk of
ENS.
Empty Nest Syndrome After Orphans Have Aged Out”, explores the experiences of
caregivers with symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) due to having the orphan they
have taken care of have Aged Out. ENS is the feelings of grief and sadness a guardian
experiences when the child they have taken care of has left their home to become
independent. The objectives of this study is to: investigate the lived experiences of
caregivers with ENS on Orphans that were aged out, explore the struggles of the caregivers
who experience ENS, and determine the coping strategies that the caregivers do when
dealing with ENS. 10 participants were selected through purposive sampling with three
categories: the participants must be 40 years old or older, they must have taken care of
orphans that aged out for at least 6 months and they must have a score of 105 or below in
the screening test for the study which is Self-acceptance Scale.
The results were able to show 3 core themes from the study. The first theme “The
Caregivers' Transitional Experience” shows that the caregivers form close bonds with the
orphans enough to even treat them as their own child. The second theme “The Unseen
Battles of Caregivers” shows that after the orphan has aged out the caregivers experience
the pain of separation which leaves an emotional toll on them. Lastly, the third theme
“Emotional Anchors During Challenges” do chores to take their minds off the longing and
even participate in activities such as traveling and dancing, through spirituality they are able
to build resilience against the symptoms of ENS. The researchers recommend creating
programs for educating caregivers on the potential dangers of becoming overly attached to
the orphans and the potential risks of developing symptoms of ENS in order to reduce risk of
ENS.
Description
This study explores the emotional experiences of caregivers who developed Empty Nest Syndrome after the orphans they cared for aged out. It reveals deep emotional bonds, the grief of separation, and coping strategies like chores, hobbies, and spirituality. The findings suggest the need for support programs to help caregivers manage emotional attachment and prevent ENS.
Biblio Notes
Anunciacion, K. E. D., Aguiman, D. M., Edlagan, A. S. C., Lopez, F. J. J., & Plugio, C. A.** (2025). Aged out: Phenomenological study on caregivers that experienced empty nest syndrome after orphans have aged out (Undergraduate thesis, Cavite State University – Bacoor City Campus). Cavite State University.
Number of Copies
1
