Identifies the primary reasons for failure of peer education programs in order to help project managers avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Some failures include lack of clear aims and objectives; inconsistency between project design and external environment; lack of investment in peer education; lack of appreciation for the complex…

Article focuses on methods of recruitment, selection, and training of multicultural peer advisors. Instructional elements intended to provide peer advisors with skills, including communication techniques, and role-play, are discussed States that peer advisors do not need to be of the same background but need their training to be culturally,…

Provides operational framework for defining and interpreting peer interventions. Recommends that consideration be given to what constitutes "peerness," the aims and methods of an intervention, and the ways in which peer educators are involved. Explains the distinction between "peer development" and "peer delivery,"…

Describes cultural considerations associated with American Indian adolescents coping within a transactional, cognitive-phenomenological framework. Discusses select cultural values and beliefs of American Indians associated with death in terms of person variables and situational demand characteristics that interplay in coping process. Suggests…

Introduces special issue on peer-led interventions that reflects upon international interest in harnessing the knowledge and skills of young people to current topics of concern. Issue addresses the cultural and social influences on the ways in which society accommodates the concept of providing real opportunities for young people to demonstrate…

Looks at bullying as a group phenomenon largely enabled by members of a school class taking on different participant roles (such as assistant of the bully, reinforcers of the bully, and outsiders). Suggests that peer group power should be utilized in putting an end to bullying. Recommends that counselors should also include working with students…

Suggests that while health problems experienced by young people are largely the result of psychological and behavioral factors, peer-led initiatives can have a positive effect on several factors that influence their health. Reviews strengths of peer support, including effects on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and locus of control. Discusses practical…

Article discusses two adolescent peer-led interventions in New Zealand designed to offer support to young people dealing with important issues - sex, drugs, and alcohol. The relevance of the unique cultural environment of New Zealand is discussed, and a description of the two interventions is provided. Suggestions for possible future directions…

Assessed effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral school-based primary prevention psychological program designed to improve eighth-grade students' (n=237) distress-coping and prepare them as gatekeepers with regard to self-destructive behavior of peers. Program had positive effect on attitudes, emotions, knowledge, and awareness of distress coping…

Article describes a program of peer counseling initiated to support individual students, improve social environment, and reduce loneliness in school. No change was noted in students' perceptions of loneliness. Significant positive change was found in the social provisions (guidance and reliable alliance), and in number of problems presented to…