Coping with the Empty Nest: The Role of Loneliness, Distress, and Emotion Dysregulation in Problematic Series Watching Among Parents of Immigrant Offspring

Background There is rising concern regarding the increasing population of older adults who face unique challenges, including the empty-nest phase. This study aimed to examine the role of loneliness, emotion regulation, and psychological distress for problematic series watching behavior in empty-nest parents of immigrant offspring. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 64 empty-nest parents, aged 45–65 years (Mean = 53.50 years). The tools administered included a sociodemographic data sheet, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress (K10), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short form (DERS-SF), and Problematic Series Watching Scale (PSWS). Results Results showed that loneliness was positively correlated with psychological distress (r = 0.661, p < 0.001), greater difficulties in emotion regulation (r = 0.467, p < 0.001) and problematic series watching (r = 0.447, p < 0.001). Furthermore, difficulty in emotion regulation was also significantly correlated with problematic series watching (r = 0.327, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that problematic series watching may function as a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to emotional challenges and loneliness. Participants were divided into two subgroups based on loneliness levels: Low Loneliness group−(n = 42), and High Loneliness group (n = 22). The High Loneliness group reported significantly higher psychological distress, emotion regulation difficulty, and problematic series watching. A gender-based analysis [Men (n = 30), and Women (n = 34)] revealed that women reported significantly higher loneliness and psychological distress than men. Conclusion The study underscores the need for systematic assessment and intervention targeting loneliness and psychological distress among empty-nest parents. Furthermore, problematic series watching may serve as a coping strategy that could adversely impact their physical and mental well-being.