Women in Midlife: Crises, Reverberations, and Support Networks

This paper focuses on select strengths and problems of women in midlife as viewed from a discussion and synthesis of an array of social and behavioral science findings. Starting with a definition of what constitutes midlife, crises, and reverberations, the paper addresses some commonly preferred support networks chosen by women in midlife with particular emphasis as to the perceived value of each as factors in adjustment and life satisfaction. This information is subsequently used to identify a number of implicit and explicit practice and research recommendations.