Sense of competence, time perspective, and state-anxiety of separated versus divorced mothers.

Separated and divorced mothers, with median separation times of four and 22 months, respectively, were compared on sense of competence, time perspective, and state-anxiety. Divorced mothers showed less defensiveness, in that their self-esteem ratings were more congruent with their self-efficacy and anxiety ratings. They also showed more positive time perspective, indicating greater optimism and suggesting a process of positive emotional transition.