University of Science and Culture Faculty Member Explores the “Not-So-Empty Nest” Experience in New Research

A new study examining the experiences of Iranian parents whose adult children have migrated from Tehran reveals that the traditional concept of the “empty nest” is far more complex than commonly perceived.

According to the Public Relations Office of the University of Science and Culture, an article by Dr. Mohsen Kachouei, Head of the Department of Psychology and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, entitled “The Not-So-Empty Nest: Exploring the Lived Experience of Iranian Parents with Adult Children Migrating from Tehran,” explores the lived experiences of Iranian families and demonstrates that the migration of adult children involves much more than physical separation. Rather, it brings about a series of emotional and social transformations for parents. Feelings of longing, changes in parental roles, and the redefinition of parent–child relationships are identified as some of the most significant consequences of this experience.

The study also shows that this transition is not necessarily a negative one. Over time, many parents successfully adapt to their new circumstances and establish new forms of communication with their children through modern technologies such as video calls, online communication platforms, and instant messaging applications.

The research emphasizes that the migration of adult children does not signify the end of family relationships. Instead, it leads to their reconstruction and transformation, giving the concept of “family” a more flexible and dynamic meaning within the context of migration.

The article was published in 2026 as an Original Research Article in The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, a Q2 journal published by SAGE Publications.

The publication of this study highlights the growing contribution of researchers at the University of Science and Culture to internationally recognized scholarship on family studies, migration, and human development. By examining the lived experiences of Iranian families, the research provides valuable insights into how migration reshapes family dynamics, emotional well-being, and intergenerational relationships in contemporary society.

For access to the full article, please visit the journal’s official website