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Life orientation and self-neglect in the elderly with and without empty nest syndrome: A retrospective study
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Maliheh Sadat Ahangarha   , Abbas Abolghasemi * , Seyed Mousa Kafie |
| University of Guilan |
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Abstract: (82 Views) |
Introduction: Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) is a phenomenon that receives limited attention despite its high prevalence and numerous physical and psychological consequences. Negative life orientation and self-neglect are frequently observed in older adults with ENS. Therefore, this study aimed to compare life orientation and self-neglect in older adults with and without ENS.
Methods: This retrospective causal-comparative research was conducted among older adults attending retirement centers in Rasht in 2023. The study sample consisted of 236 participants divided into two groups: 97 older adults with ENS and 139 older adults without ENS. Participants were selected using convenience sampling based on a cutoff point of 61 from the Empty Nest Syndrome Scale by Pirzadeh. Data was collected using the revised Life Orientation Test by Scheier and Carver and the Iranian Self-Neglect Questionnaire by Mardan and Delbari. The data was analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SPSS version 27.
Results: The results showed that there was no relationship between empty nest syndrome (with and without) and gender and spouse's survival status. However, there was a relationship between empty nest syndrome (with and without) and the presence of children at home, educational status, employment status, and number of children. The results revealed that life orientation (optimism and pessimism) in older adults with ENS was significantly lower than in those without ENS. Additionally, self-neglect, including psychological self-neglect, personal and health self-neglect, hygienic and environmental self-neglect, and lifestyle self-neglect, was significantly higher in older adults with ENS compared to those without it.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that ENS has a detrimental impact on older adults' life orientation and self-care. Furthermore, deficiencies in these variables may act as risk factors that predispose individuals to ENS. Also, children leaving home can lead to self-neglect in the elderly, making them take less care of themselves. Therefore, preventive programs should address these factors to reduce the likelihood of ENS and to develop appropriate treatment plans for affected older adults.
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| Keywords: Life Orientation, Self-Neglect, Older Adults, Empty Nest Syndrome |
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Type of Study: Original research |
Subject:
Eldely mental and psychological issues
Received: 2025/02/10 | Accepted: 2026/02/15 | Published: 2026/02/15
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