A two-stage study of women aged 35-55 focused on issues, concerns, and gratification and their relationship to family status, work status, age, and sense of psychological well-being. The sample was composed of women who occupied jointly one of three family statuses (never married, married without children, married with children) and one of six work statuses (paid work in high-, medium-, or low-prestige occupations, or unpaid work at home with husband in high-, medium-, or low-presitge occupations). A structured survey instrument based on intensive interviews was constructed and administered to a random sample of subjects to assess their psychological well-being. Results indicated that the sample showed a high level of well-being which was not affected by the presence of children, chronological age, menopause, or hysterectomy. Sexual satisfaction contributed to well-being and was not affected by age, menopause, or hysterectomy. Although health was rarely cited as a problem, future concerns about health were evident, particularly in terms of aging. The issues preoccupying middle-aged women focused on achievement, work, careers, and education rather than reproductive functioning. (NRB)