WITHDRAWN: Mental Health and Well-being of Empty-nesters: A Chinese Urban Case Study

Abstract

The research examined the mental health and well-being of a sample of empty-nesters in Jinan City, Shandong Province. An in-depth individual interview approach, with document analysis and participant observation was performed on three types of interviewees (N = 33) recruited via purposive sampling. The empty-nesters faced many unique problems, especially a sense of being disjointed from the family, community and society. Influencing factors included Chinese traditional filial piety culture, lagging implementation of relevant policies and development of community ageing services, as well as the loss of productive roles for the empty nesters. Implications for social work services are identified.