The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between feminist identity and psychological maltreatment in intimate relationships among college students. Existing research and theories have raised questions about the relationship between these constructs, but no studies have yet explored the relationship between them. The…

Study conducted with college-age women to determine the relationship between absence of father in childhood and adult self-concept and interpersonal relationships with men. Results suggest that father absence is not a factor differentially associated with the self-concept of women except in evaluation of self in social situations. (Author/JLF)

Phenomenological and psychodynamic differences between girls who score at the high and low extremes of the Psychosocial Maturity Inventory are explored. Ability to tolerate anxiety and the developmental use of interpersonal relationships are discussed as central to identity formation among these girls. (Author/MV)

Theories and models of adult development over the life span provide one of the foundational pieces for gaining a clearer understandings of learning in adulthood. Only recently have adult educators spoken more forcefully about the lack of integrated research on adult women. The purpose of this monograph is to describe those missing female voices as…

The relationship between psychosocial development and ego identity was explored among a group of 29 married women, 21-59 years old. After being interviewed, subjects were assigned to one of four categories of identity status, based on their statements regarding decision-making and commitment. There were significant differences between identity…

Evaluates the effects of expanding sex-role alternatives on the passage of American middle-class women through the Eriksonian model of identity achievement. Contrasts contemporary norms regarding appropriate feminine roles with the more constricted social expectations of Erikson's time. Discusses validity of Erikson's original model of female…

A literature review uncovered three themes on women's psychosocial development: diverse and nonlinear patterns, importance of intimacy and identity, and centrality of relationships and connectedness to others. The review assessed the applicability of existing developmental models to women and identified alternative designs and methods needed to…

Relationships between patterns of family interaction and child development are investigated in this study on how family environment and quality of interaction relate to an adolescent's psychological and social functioning. A sample of 99 white middle-class families participated in a 2-hour structured interview in their homes. The interview…

Romance novels have become increasingly popular and sexually explicit, in part because women may gain a sense of self through reading them and perhaps in reaction to the patriarchal structure of society. Women may seek escape and a sense of self-identity through the novels'"larger-than-life" characters and predictable endings. Readers of…

This document is a leader's guide for conducting a course in improving self-esteem for mature middle- and upper-class women. After a section on characteristics needed by group leaders and pointers on conducting group discussions, the document contains lesson plans for eight discussion-group lessons. Topics covered during the eight sessions include…