Overview: research on the psychology of women. I. Gender differences and sexual and reproductive life

Abstract

There has been a recent and rapid increase in research literature pertaining to women; this revolution in women's studies may be currently unequaled in any other field related to psychiatry. In this first part of a two-part article the author briefly discusses the social and intellectual contexts of research in this area. She reviews recent research on gender differences in behavior and on women's sexual and reproductive lives, including various aspects of the menstrual cycle, menopause, diseases of the reproductive organs, coitus, rape, childbirth, lactation, and fertility control. The second part will cover research on women in families, communities, work, and psychotherapy; and it will attempt to assess limitations of present knowledge and the anticipated directions and impact of future research.

PIP: The social and intellectual contexts of research in the area of the psychology of women are discussed. Major findings in aspects of gender differences and sexual and reproductive live are reviewed. The discussion on sexual and reproductive life includes the significance of aspects of the menstrual cycle, menopause, diseases of the reproductive organs, coitus, rape, childbirth, lactation, and fertility control. Today the norm of controlling one's own fertility is experienced as new, and pregnancy is felt to be a matter of choice. However, no contraceptive method except sterilization is 100% effective and many have medical hazards. The safest methods for women are the diaphragm and the condom with back-up abortion, but these methods are psychologically less acceptable. There is a need for research on the psychology of family planning outside of the nuclear family. Data support the conclusion that abortion is safer than normal birth.