Final answer:
The social worker's first step should be to determine the cause of the couple's stress after their child leaves for college. Identifying the root of their feelings will guide the provision of the most effective support and interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a couple meets with a social worker after their third child leaves home for college, and they report feeling stressed and unhappy instead of relieved, the first step the social worker should take is to determine what is causing the stress. It's important to understand the underlying factors contributing to their feelings. This approach is aligned with research suggesting that significant changes in family dynamics, such as children leaving home, can lead to a reevaluation of marital satisfaction and overall well-being (Vaillant, 2002).
Once the root cause is identified, the social worker can provide an informed plan that may include teaching communication techniques, providing referrals for adult activity groups, or exploring why being alone together is so hard for the couple. Helping the couple work through their stress will contribute positively to their relationship and well-being.