Module 2 Female Psychosocial Development

Gender Messages

Female Development: Old Assumptions, New Conclusions Studies on women: Moral development Assertiveness Dependency Aggression

Relationships

Relationships and Female Development Traditional Theories Development as a progression from dependence to independence Goal is self-sufficiency, clear differentiation, autonomy Adapted from CORE Associates, Benedict 2004 New Research (Gilligan, Miller, Jordan) Females path to maturity is different from males Motivation/goal is to build connection with others Females develop a sense of self and self-worth through connections Connection, as opposed to separation, is a primary principle of growth Many of the psychological challenges of women are related to disconnections from or violations in relationships.

Relational Aggression Harming relationships through… Gossip Backstabbing Spreading lies and rumors Using information to gain power Expressing anger verbally Divisive behavior Pitting friends against friends

Communication

Relational Language What communication skills are important when working with women? Why dont you… why didnt you… What does this communicate to a woman? Woman walks into your office with a black eye? A woman says she will not follow her probation orders… Adapted from CORE Associates, Benedict, 2004