A somewhat smaller area of work in this Library explores the transition to adulthood and the developmental difficulties faced by adolescents. Most of this work focuses on the adolescent struggle for individuation or the recognition of oneself as separate from the family system. Others examine the impact of pregnancy notification on adolescent males' subsequent sexual decisionmaking. A number of studies in this Library describe interventions and programs intended to support teenagers in their adjustment to their new roles as parents and adults. A significant amount of this research addresses the omission of adolescent males from services supporting adolescent parents and the difficulty of involving teenage fathers in these programs.
Researchers advocate involving teenage fathers beyond family planning.
In addition, a number of studies examine kin and friendship networks and their role in supporting the adolescent female's transition to parenthood. Finally, research that discusses the transition to parenthood in general is included in the Role Transitions Library. This literature sometimes addresses adolescent parenthood as a special case of the transition to parenthood. Research that does not examine directly adolescent parenthood can give insight into the stresses and supports experienced by all men and women who are becoming parents. Empirical studies frequently seek to identify characteristics of the expectant father that will make him more or less likely to be involved actively with his infant.