EDUCATIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RETURN OF MID‐LIFE WOMEN TO SCHOOL

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Abstract
A population of 74 mid‐life women (ages 30‐49) at a midwestern state university were interviewed during their first year of entrance or reentry to the university to assess variables associated with satisfaction with their school performance, rating of the priority of school, and mental health symptoms. Factor analyses of symptoms and stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed. Factors related to the educational experience (obstacles at school, academic rank) influenced a woman's satisfaction with her performance with school. Employment (but not long hours of working) while attending school and perception of public attitudes toward returning women were related to prioritization of school. The women at the highest risk of experiencing symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, compulsivity) were the younger women and those with relatively low incomes.