When the theories related to mother-generated pathology, the nuclear family, separation and attachment, and sex roles are examined, it becomes clear that many mental health concepts and practices concerning women reflect societal beliefs, whether or not these beliefs may be biased. Although the mother-child relationship has traditionally been viewed as the most crucial relationship in the life of the child, recent research has emphasized the importance of the father-child relationship and the ability (perhaps even desirability) of the child to form successful attachments with persons other than the mother, or in addition to her. Rigid sex-role stereotypes and the nuclear family style, which have permitted the exclusive mother-child bond to thrive in the past, are increasingly viewed as legitimate options among a myriad of other equally viable sex-role patterns and family styles.