Gender characteristics of age change perception in women aged 40-60

Abstract

Personality features of women in period of critical age change were analyzed. The sample was 406 women aged 40-60 (128 women from Australia and 278 women from Russia) including 106 homosexuals (5,8% of Russian and 67,2% Australian). Based on Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) the subjects were divided into different gender groups. Method of structured interview was used. It is shown that during socio-psychological adaptation to physiological changes of the body specific changes in attitude to self and age occur. It is also shown that depending on gender affiliation women’s perception of their age differ.