Implications of Personal Values in Women's Midlife Development

Abstract

Researchers disagree on what women experience during midlife and on the goal of that developmental stage. This study explored the experiences of 18 women between the ages of 35 and 60. Diversity in the sample was achieved in marital status, presence or absence of children, education. income, age, and sexual orientation, but the sample was not ethnically diverse. The resulting grounded theory conceptualized an emotional process with 3 parts: (a) assessing circumstances, (b) clarifying personal values, and (c) adjusting behaviors and life circumstances to achieve congruence with values. Implications for counselors are discussed.