Parents of stay at home children more depressed than those who live alone
1 Jul 2009, 1726 Hrs

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London, July 1 Debunking what is called the "empty nest syndrome", scientists have found that parents, whose children stay at home are more likely to suffer depression than those whose offspring move out.

Instead of feeling abandoned and lonely, adults with their children living far away seemed happier and more content than those with sons and daughters still living at home or in the local community.

The study was carried out in villages in rural Thailand, and questioned more than 1,000 parents aged 60 and over.

The researchers said that parents of the children who had fled the nest were often from more educated and affluent backgrounds, and were proud of their offspring's achievements. On the other hand, they found that adults with "stay at home kids" experienced failed aspiration and inter family conflicts.

Dr. Melanie Abas, a psychiatrist at King's College London and lead researcher, said that the findings of the study were quite surprising.

"A commonly held view is that out-migration of young people has starkly negative consequences for parents living in rural areas as they get older," the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

She added: "But our findings challenge the popular belief that family separation causes older parents to feel abandoned and lacking in support." The study found that depression was less common among parents whose children lived further away, as compared to parents whose children lived locally.

However, the study showed that depression was highest among parents of poorer families with their children still living in the local area.

While the research was carried out in Thailand, the findings are thought to be universal, particularly where children leave a rural home and move to the city. (ANI)

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