Discussions with 11 retired nurses and 8 in the preretirement phase revealed concerns about adequate finances and timing of retirement, anticipation of increased discretionary time, sadness over loss of collegial relationships, and a variety of strategies for coping with the transition. (SK)

Surveyed 656 widows over age 50 about changes in working caused by widowhood. Almost one-third were employed when their husbands died; another one in six took jobs. Widows reported problems in locating employment, and findings suggested work is not a universally appropriate adaptive strategy. (JAC)

Used qualitative research design to apply role exit theory to adult women students (n=221) undergoing life transition. Findings suggest that role of student for these women is transitional one. Student role appeared to be bridge to new role and women used it to complete role exit process or to bring closure and deal with respective life…

Empty nest status, employment level, age, socioeconomic status, educational level, menopausal symptoms, and husband's attitude toward wife working were used to predict women's (N=232) well-being and adjustment to the empty nest. Results indicated that impact of predictor variables was almost nonexistent, but that coping creatively with situations…

Middle aged women who have previously been occupied with family and community activities often experience increased role stress when they begin to invest more time and energy in their work roles. To compare coping styles women use to adjust to job changes, 71 women, aged 30-62, who had changed jobs within a 3-year interval were classified into…

Midlife divorce for women can be a time for creative growth or divorce can lead to loneliness, bitterness, and depression. Middle-aged women appear to experience an inordinate amount of stress from divorce because of loss of roles and lack of new role models. Based upon role theory and divorce as a normal developmental process, a feminist…

This guide for counselors describes the Critical Events Interview (CEI), a new counseling technique designed to be used with women in transition. The concept of critical events and their influence on adult development is described and the history and current status of the CEI are reviewed, along with current results of CEI evaluations and…

Occupational status is a key component of identity and self-worth for men. But little research has been done on the influence of working status on women, particularly during life cycle transitions or periods of crisis. To examine the impact of employment status on the self-esteem, psychological well-being and physical health of women at mid-life,…

Midlife transition is a potentially problematic time for all women, but especially for those who are unmarried, relatively less well-educated, and who do not reside in urban areas. Some studies suggest that unmarried women have more difficulty in identity formation and acceptance of their role by society. Married women whose children are nearly…

The U.S. Congress has only recently begun to evaluate the special needs of midlife women. Public policy should support the efforts of women coping with the various job, educational, and personal transitions in their lives. To refute the stereotypical labeling of midlife women, society must identify the origins of these women's insecurities and the…