A study to determine the influence of occupational competence, economic independence, and involvement in a variety of roles upon the well-being of adult women is reported. Prior to reporting results, the document discusses social changes that have made occupational competence and economic independence critical for women's successful adaptation. Changes include the ability to control fertility, the lengthening life span, and the increasing participation of women in the work force. The study involved collecting data from 142 white, married, middle-class women and their husbands, all of whom had at least one child enrolled in preschool. The focus was to determine differences in the level of role pattern satisfaction and self-esteem. About 35% of the mothers were employed and 60% were classified as "at home." Results indicate that the well-being of non-employed women is highly dependent of their husbands' approval of their pattern, or more accurately on the wives' perceptions of his approval. In contrast, employed women are considerably less sensitive to their husbands' attitudes. Commitment to work and satisfaction with their current job contribute heavily to womens' indices of well-being. Also, even though women may be intensely concerned with the demands of young children, involvement in multiple roles need not result in debilitating conflict, strain, and dissatisfaction. In conclusion, the research supports the value of preparing girls from childhood to develop and exercise occupational competence. (Author/KC)