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The Health of Women in Transition from Welfare to Employment

Although numerous studies of welfare policy exist, studies of women’s health within the context of U.S. welfare reform policy have been limited. From an ecological health perspective, welfare policy shapes the immediate environment in which women live. The environment has long been recognized by nursing as a major determinant of health status. Using data from the Washington State Family Income Study (FIS), this research examined women’s psychosocial health when making the transition from welfare receipt to employment. No differences in psychosocial health were found between women leaving welfare for employment and those remaining on welfare (p> .05 on depression, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and emotional support). This finding is consistent with earlier qualitative research, which indicates the life circumstances of women leaving welfare for paid employment rarely improve. To better understand how public policies such as those related to welfare affect the lives and health of women, additional research is sorely needed.