Women’s psychological development

Relational theory sees women in a context broader
than that assigned by their reproductive abilities or
gender driven caretaking roles. If development is
understood as unfolding from infancy onward via
one’s affiliations, there will be a much broader context
from within which to understand women as they are
self defined rather than as role or gender defined.
Being “self defined” means recognizing that women
are both self defined and in relationship to others,
whatever the context of that “other” might be.
Relational theory, therefore, would suggest that
autonomy means being in relation and caring, but
not to caring which is dependent or oppressive.2
Candib asks us to consider what is requisite to create
a working model of adult development for clinical
practice (Table 5.1).2
Relational theory suggests that autonomy means
being in relation and caring, but not to caring which
is dependent or oppressive.
Racism must be taken into consideration in
looking at the experience of women of color in relational
theory. Moreover, such a model must consider
development within the context of relationships
rather than separate from them, and it must view
critically the idea that development consists in
striving toward the goal of male-defined autonomy.2
This discussion of relational theory attempts, with
broad brush strokes, to describe a methodology for
thinking about psychosocial issues in women’s lives.
It is, for purposes of this chapter, a brief overview.
The interested reader is strongly encouraged to
understand more deeply by reading any of the references
cited, but particularly relevant to the practicing
clinician is the excellent discussion found in Medicine
and the Family by Dr Lucy Candib.2

Posted in: Health,Psychosocial health of well women through the life-cycle