The purpose of this study was to develop a peer helping training program for university students in Turkey and to examine its effectiveness in improving the helping skills and self-growth of peer helpers. A pre-test, post-test, follow-up-test experimental design, involving a treatment and control group, was carried out with a total sample of 31…

Previous research and retention interventions have been primarily targeted towards the freshmen, first-year experience (Gardner, Pattengale, & Schreiner, 2000; Pattengale & Schreiner, 2000) and yet, sophomores are a uniquely vulnerable group with increasing levels of dissatisfaction and attrition (Boivin, Fountain, & Baylis, 2000).This article…

The evolution of a peer counseling project at a school for the deaf in Canada is described. Reasons for establishing the program, key elements (engendering support, student selection, training workshops, school involvement, supervision, and evaluation), the role of facilitators, and training demands are discussed (Author/DB)

Describes Youth-Reaching-Youth (YRY) Project, peer substance abuse prevention program of National Network of Runaway and Youth Services. Defines YRY goal as preventing and reducing substance abuse among runaway, homeless, and other youth in high-risk situations. Describes need for program, training curriculum, and evaluation. (NB)

Describes pilot program, undertaken with staff from eight bars in Ontario, Canada, that uses a peer learning model to teach problem-solving skills regarding prevention and management of aggressive behaviors in bars. Participants showed significant positive changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding effective approaches. Program illustrated the…

A demonstration project using a volunteer peer advisory approach to consumer education for the elderly was developed which indicates the possibility of using a peer advisory system for employing lifetime consumer experiences of the elderly and of providing avenues for continued societal involvement. (Author)

This article explores two methods of peer counseling used in high schools. The open model of counseling, or students trained to help other students, is described. (Author/DF)

Describes a nutrition education program for the elderly in which 22 older adults were recruited and trained as peer educators to create interest in nutrition and serve as liaisons between peers and sound sources of nutrition information. Participants (N=933) reported that sessions were interesting and provided useful information. (Author/JAC)

Baltimore's Job Squad is a placement alternative that motivates the handicapped person to improve independent job-seeking skills through the teamwork of counselors, peers, and community resources. Job Squad's background, support system, organization, positive results, and future implications as a valuable placement technique are discussed. (Author)

Effective services for youth in transition can be delivered through a five-phase process approach to skill acquisition in which the level of intervention is appropriate for the target population. A hierarchical model of self-directed adaptation, consisting of seven levels of intervention, is proposed as a context for program development. (LKS)

Offers practical suggestions for the design and implementation of peer counseling programs for older adults. General suggestions include trainee selection, setting goals, and providing followup. Also presents specific recommendations on group size, format, leadership qualities, and conducting training. (Author/JAC)

Traditional and peer-driven outreach interventions for injection drug users (IDUs) were compared using participants (N=682) in a Connecticut outreach project. Results suggest that while education may be an important component in any intervention, it is not sufficient by itself in reducing risky behavior. Peer-directed interventions may be useful…

Discusses value of peer counseling for children and adolescents and provides model for development of peer counseling programs. Includes selection and training of peer counselors, counselor-client needs, evaluation, documentation and institutionalization of peer counseling programs. Emphasizes special relationship obtainable between peer…

The use of a peer counselor in a staff support position in the student financial aid office at Wesleyan University is discussed. An academic credit course taught by the Director of Financial Aid was organized. Peer counselors must be selected, trained, and given responsibilities normally assigned to professionals. (MLW)

Describes a three-year project (1985-88) which established a training center for peer counseling that serves three school districts. An evaluation of the citywide project is reported, and the limitations of centralized training are discussed, along with speculations about expanding services and populations. (TE)