Stress researchers have become increasing aware of the ways in which structural and psychosocial variations in the life course shape exposure and vulnerability to social stress. This volume of "Advances in Life Course Research" explores, theoretically and empirically, stress processes both within and across specific life stages. Chapters within this volume incorporate several areas of research, including: how physical and mental health trajectories are shaped by life course variations in stressors and resources; stress associated with social role transitions and the significance of different role trajectories for stress exposure and outcomes; and, life course variations in the quality and content of institutional contexts (such as school, work and family) and their significance for stress processes. This work also includes: differences in types, levels, and effects of different stress-moderating resources within and across life course stages; ways in which race, gender, and social class influence or condition stress processes over the life course; the relevance of 'linked lives' within families and across generations for stress exposure and vulnerability; historical variations in stress-related conditions and cohort differences in stress experiences; and, methodological and theoretical advances in studying stress processes across the life course.