Demographic, biological, psychosocial and environmental data on 400 black and white families of lower middle and lower socioeconomic backgrounds were collected and synthesized to determine the factors influencing the development and acculturation of children born in urban Baltimore. A research team of pediatricians, epidemiologists, psychologists, sociologists, and biostatisticians viewed the progress of these children and their families from the mother's first prenatal care visit to the child's 12th birthday. Seventy-seven children born to adolescents were chosen for special study. Although the study families endured a high degree of stress, most moved on to better incomes and better homes. Children had high self concepts despite the fact that their academic performance tested well below the national average. Children of adolescent mothers experienced many more problems at school and home than children of older mothers. Biologically, successful children were larger and more developed than children who were academic failures. Moreover, it was determined that academically successful children had two parents who were better educated, experienced less stress, had higher coping skills and generally provided more stable home environments for their children than the parents of unsuccessful children. (Author/KR)