This book contains eight chapters focused on various facets of adolescent work experiences and their effects on the student, the family, and the student's relationship to school, based on research conducted during the Youth Development Study. "Work, Family, and Adolescent Development" (Jeylan T. Mortimer, Michael D. Finch) summarizes earlier analyses that demonstrate the importance of work quality and context in developing a sense of adolescent competence. "Generational Differences in Early Work Experiences and Evaluation" (Pamela J. Aronson et al.) identifies competence and efficacy as key outcomes of parents' prior work experiences as adolescents. "The Implications of Helpfulness for Possible Selves" (Kathleen Thiede Call), shows how work in the household can contribute to a sense of competence under favorable family conditions. "Adolescent Earnings and Relationships with Parents" (Michael J. Shanahan et al.) demonstrates how adolescent paid work can contribute to positive family relationships. "Adolescent Work as an 'Arena of Comfort' under Conditions of Family Discomfort" (Kathleen Theide Call) notes how positive work experiences can buffer the person from deleterious family stressors. "The 'Occupational Linkage Hypothesis' Applied to Occupational Value Formation in Adolescence" (Seongryeol Ryu, Jeylan T. Mortimer) examines the transfer of occupational values from parents to children. "Effects of Adolescent Achievement and Family Goals on the Early Adult Transition" (Ellen Efron Pimentel) highlights the significance of efficacy in enabling adolescent aspirations and preferences to be realized effectively. The final chapter points to "Future Directions for Research on Adolescents, Work, and Family" (Michael D. Finch, Jeylan T. Mortimer). The book contains 302 references. (KC)