Using an interdisciplinary perspective that combines research in psychology, sociology, and anthropology, this book examines the composition and role of the family with respect to young children, adolescents, and adult children of elderly parents. Following a preface discussing the major themes of the book--parent-child attachment, transitions and their impact, family relationships, and the influence of social-structural factors--the 13 chapters are as follows: (1) "The Parental Side of Attachment" (Inge Bretherton and others); (2) "Attachment Theory in Old Age: Protection of the Attached Figure" (Victor G. Cicirelli); (3) "Variability in the Transition to Parenthood Experience" (Carolyn J. Mebert); (4) "Double Jeopardy: Identity Transitions and Parent-Child Relations among Gay and Lesbian Youth" (Andrew M. Boxer and others); (5) "The Development of Paternal and Filial Maturity" (Corrine N. Nydegger); (6) "The Developmental Importance of Differences in Siblings' Experiences within the Family" (Judy Dunn); (7) "Mothers' Language with First- and Second-Born Children: A Within Family Study" (Kathleen McCartney and others); (8) Adolescent Happiness and Family Interaction" (Kevin Rathunde and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi); (9) "Relationships With Children and Distress in the Elderly" (Karl Pillemer and J. Jill Suitor); (10) "Family Conflict When Adult Children and Elderly Parents Share a Home" (J. Jill Suitor and Karl Pillemer); (11) "Normative Obligations and Parent-Child Help Exchange across the Life Course" (Alice S. Rossi and Peter H. Rossi); (12) "Transitions in Work and Family Arrangements: Mothers' Employment Conditions, Children's Experiences, and Child Outcomes" (Elizabeth G. Menaghan and Toby L. Parcel); and (13) Age-Group Relationships: Generational Equity and Inequity (Vern L. Bengston and others). Each chapter is followed by a list of references. (MDM)