Empty Cradle syndrome is a phenomena typically found in females. ECS is the misplacement of maternal emotions and instincts due to absence of a child.

As women near adulthood, maternal instincts will grow stronger. However, because women often put off children until their late 20s, it leaves a void. To fill this void, they pour these emotions into other things that stimulate their need to mother, such as animals, conservationism, religion, politics, and other forms of activism.

ECS normally starts in early twenties but can start earlier. ECS can last as long as the woman remains childless.