Transitions over the life cycle: a comparison of mothers and nonmothers.
Life histories of 50 mothers and 30 nonmothers, aged 60 to 95, were analyzed to identify differences between the two groups in developmental transitions over the life cycle. The overall developmental trajectories during adulthood did not differ significantly. Mothers, however, reported a greater number of transitions, and 30% reported they were adults before age 15 in contrast to 3% of nonmothers. Nonmothers experienced a more stable career trajectory. Mothers were from larger families. Never-married nonmothers were an only child, only daughter, or oldest daughter. The effect of historical and marital status on achievement of integrity during later years is suggested as somewhat more influential than motherhood status.
Mercer
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Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco.
Nichols
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Doyle
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004651:Employment; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008393:Marriage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*