The empty nest has been thought to be associated with low morale among women. The emphasis on the mother role among Mexican American families may result in a stronger negative association between low morale and the empty nest among Mexican American women than among white women. This study tests two hypotheses: first, that the empty nest is associated with aspects of low morale among both Mexican American and white women; and second, that this association is stronger among Mexican American than among white women, ages 45-74. A probability sample of 254 Mexican American and 255 white female residents of Los Angeles County, ages 45-74, were identified as empty nest or full nest by the criterion of having someone 18 or under living in the home. A scale tapping four dimensions of morale (sadness, boredom, loneliness, and usefulness) was administered. Frequency analysis was performed and epsilons were computed to determine the effect of the empty nest on these Mexican American and white women in three age cohorts, 45-54, 55-64 and 65-74. Results suggest that the empty nest may not be a crucial cause of low morale among women. The relationship between the empty nest and these indicators of low morale among Mexican American women was unclear, and there was negligible association of the empty nest with low morale among white women. (Author)