Women's perceptions of themselves and their roles during the child-launching phase

The separation process during which time a child is attempting to "leave home" can be chaotic and impacts all members of the system. For women who are mothers, this time of loss and uncertainty may occur simultaneously with other changes in roles and relationships, and can influence how they perceive their feelings of power and satisfaction in work and family. As a result of the letting-up process, a woman may begin to further develop a more autonomous self that remained submerged while acting as nurturer of relationships, specifically mothering children.;Results demonstrated that separation and loss are metaphors for women in the child-launching stage. Separation and loss created a succinct visual picture of women's life experience in this stage. They were defined by intimacy and commitment to relationship from infancy (Gilligan, 1982a). They were attempting to loosen ties with children whom they had raised as infants and adjust to changes in the mothering role. This task was easier for some than others.;Many women found themselves sad and disappointed about children leaving. Most expressed a sorrow about a certain stage of mothering being gone. Also, a grief existed that was unique from children leaving at the child-launching stage. Women in the study found themselves searching for new ways of coping and adjusting to loss. They revealed feeling anxiety and anger about disappointing choices and lack of accomplishment. Some adjusted by staying in secure situations; others moved into educational and work careers; a few had been strengthening their own interests concurrently with mothering. While some appeared hopeless, others appeared inspirited and competent about what the future might hold. Possibly, women who were mothers in the child-launching stage may find themselves at the door to revitalization and renewal of opportunity.;The sample consisted of 30 married biological mothers of children aged 16-18. The women were married and living in the same home with their husbands and adolescent children. Eleven women had college degrees and 19 did not. Twenty-four women worked outside the home; 6 were occupied as homemakers.