The deleterious effects of childrearing out of wedlock were explored in this study to see if the disadvantages reported at an earlier time still exist. The relationship between the mother's marital status at the time of the baby's birth, her age and other maternal characteristics, experiences and attitudes, and the subsequent well-being of mother and child were examined for 440 white, primaparous women under 25 years of age. The mothers were interviewed in their homes when their children were 1 month, 1 1/2 years, and 3 years old. The interview schedules explored various aspects of the mother's past and current experiences and her social and emotional adjustment. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Thomas-Zander Ego Strength Scale were administered to the mother. The child's adjustment was assessed through the mother's responses to questions from the Louisville Behavior Check List. A series of independent variables, including demographic characteristics of the mothers as well as personality and health variables, were then related to each of the outcome measures. Results showed that although the unwed mothers were less educated, less enthusiastic about motherhood during their pregnancy and less prepared for motherhood than their married counterparts, their marital status had little impact on the development and adjustment of their children. Other findings are discussed in detail. (JMB)