The Psychological Well-Being of Women in Their Middle Years

Abstract

Questionnaires were completed by 232 married women, aged 46–61, who were graduates of a large mideastern university. Empty nest status, employment level, age, socioeconomic status, educational level, menopausal symptoms, and husband's attitude toward wife working were used to predict symptomatology, general happiness, marital satisfaction, work satisfaction, and adjustment to the anticipated or actual empty nest. Interviews were conducted with 12 selected participants. Results of the survey indicated that the women were generally well-adjusted and that the impact of the predictor variables was practically nonsignificant. Interview data suggested that a specific event (e.g., children leaving home) or situation (e.g., employment status) may not be as important as the ability to cope creatively with situations as they arise.