In this paper, the authors review empirical evidence on the effects of peer groups on social, emotional and behavioural functioning. The paper shows that an understanding of the ways in which peer groups can influence the development of deviance and subvert the positive effects of interventions can be exploited in the promotion of positive social…

This paper reports the process evaluation of a peer group intervention for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention which had positive outcomes for three target groups in Malawi: rural adults, adolescents and urban hospital workers. The six-session intervention was delivered to small groups of 10-12 participants by 85 trained volunteer peer…

There is much to be read and said about the value of group counselling. The central purpose of this paper is not to convince someone of the merits of group work but rather to describe a group counselling model which has met with some success. The Pyramid Problem Solving Model is based on a series of tasks which, if completed, propose to aid the…

Children, aged 10-12, were referred to an outpatient mental health center because of behavior problems, some involving social skill deficits, others not so involved. Children acknowledging a social skill problem, and a desire to do something about it, were chosen pending parent approval and cooperation. Prior to participation in the group,…

Positive Peer Groups (PPG) is a leadership training program that helps alienated and disengaged students bond to school via participation in school-oriented service activities stressing work, discipline, and responsibility. Students form affiliations with peers involved in the same efforts. Results in Ohio schools are encouraging. (MLH)

This paper describes the Peer Resource Program established by Harcum Junior College. It is designed to provide, in addition to professional guidance personnel, student peer leadership and student personnel services to other students. The approach is based on the assumption that adolescents are generally more responsive to peer influences,…

SOTA (Students Older than Average) is a university social service directed toward the needs of college students aged 25 or older. The article describes the activities provided by SOTA at Texas A&M University, such as social events, academic assistance, referrals, and interpersonal growth. (MF)