Labor statistics show that mothers of adolescents are more likely to work than are those of children in any other age group, and, therefore, represent an important sample to address. The present study had two purposes. First, the effects of maternal employment on adolescent functioning were examined in a sample of 63 young adolescents. Results showed that maternal employment was not related to any of the areas assessed, suggesting that maternal employment may not have a harmful effect on adolescent adjustment. Second, the relationship of prestige ratings of either maternal or paternal employment to adolescent functioning was examined ia a sample of 96 young adolescents. Maternal prestige ratings were not significantly related to any dependent measures, yet prestige ratings of paternal employment were significantly related to at least one measure in most areas of adolescent functioning. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that only the paternal rating served to predict adolescent functioning, particularly for male adolescents.
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