From Separation to Connection: Shifts in Understanding Women's Development

Abstract

This article considers the theories of adult development that have led to shifts in understanding the psychology of women. A male-defined life cycle of adult development has been succeeded by a self-in-relation psychology of women. The implications of this shift in paradigm for social policy and practice with women are discussed in relation to a number of issues. Group therapy for women is recommended as the treatment of choice, given the role of connectedness in women's development.