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In the lesbian community, there are many women who entered same-sex relationships in midlife after previously identifying as heterosexual. This article reviews the state of knowledge regarding this unique group of women. Attention is given to the impact of this life-changing event on the woman; her relationships with family members and friends: her awareness of status-related oppression; and the process of becoming a cultural insider given her new identity. Suggestions are included for providing support to women who are undergoing the transition and for future research with this understudied population. Keywords: lesbian; mid-life; identity; homosexuality; queer

This study assessed the existence and nature of parenting stress among 187 adolescent mothers over a period of two and one half years across their eldest child's preschool years. Although the majority of mothers did not report elevated levels of stress, approximately thirty percent of the sample reported clinically high levels of stress at any one of the six measurement points. Criticism from a parent regarding their childrearing and intimate partner violence were both found to be related to perceptions of parenting stress. Implications for practice, including the use of the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) as a clinical screening tool, are noted. KEY WORDS: Adolescent Mother; Teen Parenting; Parenting Stress; Transition to Adulthood.

This study assessed the existence and nature of parenting stress among 187 adolescent mothers over a period of two and one half years across their eldest child's preschool years. Although the majority of mothers did not report elevated levels of stress, approximately thirty percent of the sample reported clinically high levels of stress at any one of the six measurement points. Criticism from a parent regarding their childrearing and intimate partner violence were both found to be related to perceptions of parenting stress. Implications for practice, including the use of the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) as a clinical screening tool, are noted. KEY WORDS: Adolescent Mother; Teen Parenting; Parenting Stress; Transition to Adulthood.

A study was conducted on the cognitive and behavioral status at age six of children of adolescent mothers. Mother and teacher report forms of the Child Behavior Checklist and the Bracken Basic Concepts Scale were used for the assessment. The results indicate impairment in all areas of functioning. Only 26.9% of the children fell within the normal range on all measures. These findings have significant implications for social work practice with adolescent mothers and their children.