This document discusses the current status of women, the current areas in need of research, and makes specific recommendations. Current status is described in terms of women's employment, mental health, and drug abuse. More than half of today's women are employed but they are clustered in the lowest paying occupations. More women than men report that they experience symptoms of depression and that they are taking barbiturates for medical purposes. Research needs in women's studies include: the need for basic research into such topics as sex role specialization and biological bases of sex role; women's health areas including psychotherapy, physical and mental health services; and research into the future needs of women in the 1980s. The document emphasizes that women's health research should not be planned, developed, reviewed, funded, or conducted without the participation of competent, informed women at every stage of the process. The baby boom of the 50s, the increasing numbers of single women, and increasing divorce rates among other factors forbode a number of unique problems arising in the 1980s. A list of references concludes part one of the document. Part two emphasizes research which is needed on women of all ages, including the study of the stresses women encounter when entering male-dominated occupations and the social, psychological, and achievement implications of single status and childless marriage. (BC)