Psychosocial Development of Women: A Critical Review of the Literature

Abstract

The purpose of this critical review of the literature is threefold: (a) to provide an in-depth description of the literature on the psychosocial development of women; (b) to assess the extent to which alternative developmental models for women have emerged; and (c) to critique the soundness of the research and suggest possibilities for future study and practice. Three kinds of studies which address these issues are reviewed: literature in which authors analyzed or conceptualized the psychosocial development of women, empirical investigations of developmental issues with all-female samples, and material which explored possibilities for future research and practice. From this critical review, three major themes emerged: Diverse and non-linear patterns of development characterized by discontinuities and periods of stability and transition are the norm for women; intimacy and identity are key issues throughout women's lives; and importance of relationships and a sense of connectedness to others are central to the overall dvelopmental process. Although these themes are drawn from both the conceptual and empirical work, these observations, due to the nature of the review and the limitations of the empirical studies, are not generalizable to all women.