This study explores the association between levels of depression, perceptions of mastery, social support, and parenting beliefs of mothers enrolled in an Early Head Start program, and how these relations differ for adolescent and adult mothers. The results reveal that contrary to previous research, adolescent and adult mothers did not differ on psychosocial measures upon enrollment into the Early Head Start program. This supports the notion that it may not be adolescent motherhood that places individuals at increased risk for psychosocial dysfunction, rather individual characteristics affect psychological well-being. The authors suggest that future research should attempt to understand what role motherhood plays in low income mothers psychological well-being. (Contains 12 references.) (GCP)