Final answer:
Tracy's experience with the 'empty nest' phenomenon could involve a mix of emotions including loneliness or the chance for personal growth. Economic trends like the Boomerang Generation and the rise in single-parent households influence how parents perceive and adjust to their children leaving home.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon being investigated is the "empty nest" syndrome, which is a stage in the life of a parent when their children leave home, creating an empty space. For Tracy, who has recently had two daughters move out, the adjustment to life without her girls could involve a range of emotions, from sadness and loss to newfound freedom and personal growth. Considering the passages provided, Tracy might report feeling a sense of loneliness or abandonment similar to the feelings described in the passages, where the protagonists face a new life stage or new challenges alone.
Recent trends such as the Boomerang Generation indicate that young adults often return home due to economic challenges after college. Additionally, single-parent homes or single-parent households are on the rise, reflecting a shift in family structures. These developments in society impact how parents, like Tracy, might feel when children leave home, reinforcing or alleviating the sense of an empty nest.