What is the lived experience of mothers when their children leave home? : exploring the 'empty nest' transition : a qualitative study

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the lived experience of mothers when their children leave home, and to raise awareness of this major transition in the lifecycle. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used for the methodology. Semi-structured in depth interviews were carried out with 6 mothers who had children who had left the family home during the past five years. Interviews were then transcribed verbatim, and the emerging themes were analysed. The themes were namely:- a variety of feelings: sadness, inadequacy and also sense of achievement; unpreparedness, resignation and acceptance; fulfilment and dedication of being a mother; physical and emotional loss; the launching - is there a positive aspect to it?; relationships redefined and given a new meaning; acceptance of reality - letting go and moving on. This experience was a journey in which the co-participants worked towards finding the woman within the mother.