Social and Psychological Problems of Women

Originally published in 1984, this text and reference combines research, theory, and expert clinical experience to analyse the psychology of women in the professional and personal aspects of their lives. It was intended as a text and reference for undergraduate and graduate clinical psychology courses and as a reference for mental health professionals. Informed readers in women’s studies will find this book meaningful and enlightening.

Examining historical, theoretical, social and psychological issues concerning women’s roles, this reference delineates social problems they face and presents various intervention techniques designed to prevent and handle prevailing crises and future problems.

Providing an outstanding comprehensive report of research and clinical programs, Social and Psychological Problems of Women presents an applied psychology approach and aims to stimulate further research and program development.

The first section discusses such theoretical issues as female development and achievement, women as competent community builders, and includes an especially insightful treatment about black women in US society at the time.

The next section analyses the social problems of women in the 1980s, such as sex differences in separation and divorce, child-rearing skills in lower income women, and the impact of crime on urban women.

The last section focuses on specific psychological problems. Critical issues explored include the postpartum experience, the relation of stressful life events to gender, the different needs and treatment approaches for women in psychotherapy, and older women and mental health.

No existing volume united the psychology of women with women’s issues so comprehensively. Additionally, this text covered new ways to examine the development, treatment, and prevention of psychological distress in women. Today it can be read in its historical context.