Impact of work on women at midlife.

Examined the impact of employment status on the self-esteem, psychological well-being, and physical health of 389 middle-aged (40–59 yrs old) women (206 employed outside the home and 183 homemakers). Ss completed a number of scales of psychological well-being (including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Lack of Depression Scale) from the national survey, The Survey of Modern Living, conducted in 1976. Results indicate that working Ss at midlife had higher self-esteem and less psychological anxiety than homemakers. Working Ss also reported being in better physical health than homemakers. Findings suggest that work may act as a stabilizing force for women during critical periods throughout the life cycle. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)