Examined relationship between peer interactions and similarity in drug use among friends. Findings from large sample of secondary school students (n=113,289) indicated that youth who used specific drugs in last 30 days almost invariably had friends who used same drugs but was considerably less likely to have friends who used other drugs or no…

Over five days, videotaped and analyzed contrived play sessions of African-American male first and third graders to examine behavioral patterns leading to chronic victimization by peers. Victims demonstrated lower rates of assertive behaviors and higher rates of nonassertive behaviors than nonvictims. Children who eventually emerged as chronic…

Focuses on Woodland Hills, Minnesota peer-group treatment program for adolescent delinquents based on Positive Peer Culture (PPC) treatment model. Notes that, in recent years, over 80% of Woodland Hills students also have presented history of alcohol and drug abuse. Describes Woodland Hills substance abuse program which is integrated into PPC…

Newly admitted international graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of whom come from Asian countries, participated in an International Peer Program (IPP). Results suggest that the IPP participants showed significantly higher social adjustment scores than nonparticipants. Students from Asian countries had more difficulty adjusting to…

A survey of 172 family doctors found that they approached educationally influential (EI) physicians they knew through their hospitals; only 20% used e-mail and 40% the Internet for medical information; EI physicians helped extend their knowledge and validate innovations found in the literature; and health care reform was negatively affecting…

Contends that inclusion alone does not address concerns of children of color. Provides guidelines for adapting the curriculum and interactions in a kindergarten setting. Suggests that, by viewing the antithetical concept of exclusion, early-childhood educators gain insight into the problem. (LBT)

Offers a format for assessing the social systems in which gay and lesbian young people live in order to better meet their individual needs, which involves supporting them and working with their peers, teachers, and families to create a safe, belonging environment. (Author/MKA)

Assessed the impact of fear of criminal victimization on juvenile firearm possession at school, controlling for social-bond theory and differential-association theories. Responses from approximately 8,000 high school students show a significant association between fear of criminal victimization and firearms possession. (SLD)

Peer interactions and cognitive outcomes during college were studied at 23 institutions. Models of college impact are reviewed. Peer interactions include course-related and other activities occurring inside and outside classroom settings. Outcomes for three years are reported. Data support a strong positive effect of peer interactions on cognitive…

Tests the feasibility of a one-year group education model for patients with type 2 diabetes in Sweden. Within study circles led by pharmacists, participants learned to self-monitor glucose, to interpret the results and to act upon them. Results show that study circles held at pharmacies are a feasible way of education persons with type 2 diabetes.…

Describes a teacher-directed reclaiming intervention that targets the problems of a young girl who allows herself to be put down and manipulated by a boyfriend who is meeting his own needs to look good to his peers at her expense. (Author/MKA)

Looks at the organization of street gangs and suggests that some of the same concepts used to describe family systems may be applied to them. States that the complex organization of gangs forms a web of interconnectedness, and that in order to provide effective intervention plans, gangs must be viewed from a systematic and holistic perspective.…

Interviewed junior high school students regarding sexual activity. Females were less likely to have "ever had sex." More males anticipated partner pressure for sex and believed they might have sex before marriage. Among nonvirgins there was little gender difference in frequency or recency. Asserts that understanding adolescent sexual…

In 1980-83, a study assessed adolescent girls' smoking, their peers' smoking, and their parents' smoking and beliefs and strictness regarding smoking. Similar assessments were made in 1995 for these girls, now mothers, and their children. Found that general and smoking-related parenting practices, as well as peer smoking, were related to…

Investigates female friends' influence on achievement-related choices using the Thematic Apperception Test. Study tests two hypotheses: (1) achievement-related stimuli will elicit stories with more unfavorable outcomes than will affiliation stimuli; (2) thematic representation of achievement will be more homogeneous in more highly cohesive peer…