The health of women in transition from welfare to employment

Although numerous studies of welfare policy exist, studies of women's healt h within the context of U.S. welfare reform policy have been limited. From an ecological health perspective, welfare policy shapes the immediate envir onment in which women live. The environment has long been recognized by nur sing as a major determinant of health status. Using data from the Washingto n State Family Income Study (FIS), this research examined women's psychosoc ial health when making the transition from welfare receipt to employment. N o differences in psychosocial health were found between women leaving welfa re for employment and those remaining on welfare (p > .05 on depression, se lf-esteem, self-efficacy, and emotional support). This finding is consisten t with earlier qualitative research, which indicates the life circumstances of women leaving welfare for paid employment rarely improve. To better und erstand how public policies such as those related to welfare affect the liv es and health of women, additional research is sorely needed.