This study examined how children's play varied as function of child's sex, play partner's sex, and whether they played in dyads or groups. Observation data revealed that boys' same-sex play was more active-forceful, farther from presence of adults, and more stereotyped than girls', a pattern exaggerated in groups. Mixed-sex play was more likely…

Two children (ages 7-8) with autism and eight typical peers participated in a study designed to replicate an earlier finding of successful social-skills intervention for children with autism using peer-implemented pivotal response training (PRT). The results of using multiple peer trainers on generalization of treatment effects were assessed.…

Studied the link between authoritative parenting style and early adolescent tobacco use through the self-reports of 156 eighth graders and independent reports on tobacco use from their friends. Results show that high levels of authoritative parenting are associated with lower levels of tobacco use among target adolescents. (SLD)

Investigated adolescents' perceptions of what contributed to their feeling safe at school and their strategies for enhancing a sense of security. High school students from rural and suburban New York State public schools completed focus group and individual interviews. Overall, students depended on peer predictability to feel safe at school when…

Examines the relationship between depressive mood and cigarette smoking among a sample of 123 adolescent males and 82 adolescent females. Finds an independent relation of depressive mood, friends' smoking behavior, and living in a single-parent home. Concludes that depressive mood and stress may contribute to the onset of smoking. (FMW)

School boards are responsible for fostering an environment that promotes teacher professionalism. Successful approaches in the New York City Public Schools included a curriculum guide describing teaching practices reported by teachers; funding of experiments in teaching; and emphasizing reading, writing, and discussion. (MLF)

Understanding the influence of peer culture and developing intervention strategies are essential tasks for student affairs staff concerned with promoting values awareness and development. Recent changes in the norms of collegiate peer culture are described, and strategies for influencing peer culture are delineated. (TE)

Results suggest that income loss leads to low family integration, which in turn increases adolescents' sensitivity to evaluation by peers. This can result in decreased self-esteem and an inclination to act against common rules and norms. (PCB)

Reviews selected articles from medical and psychological literature that focus on special issues for diabetic woman during preadolescence, adolescence, and adulthood. Makes recommendations for behavioral interventions with diabetic women in regard to sick role adjustment, peer conformity pressures, eating disorders, sexuality, and pregnancy.…

Research shows that farmers are the most important influence on the adoption of new methods by other farmers. Results reaffirm the importance of targeting beyond actual participants in designing and evaluating extension programs. (JOW)

Using biographical interviewing, the study addressed graduate women's definitions of role models and mentors, perceived benefits of the mentor-protege relationship, and developmental discontinuities in mentor selection. Results are discussed within the context of the politics of mentoring of the attributions made by male mentors for female…

Describes a peer helping program that targets prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among incarcerated youth within the context of the National Peer Helper Association's Standards for Peer Programs. The program emphasizes the relative and reciprocal influences among behavioral, personal, and environmental variables hypothesized to…

Treatment programs for delinquent youth often develop negative youth subcultures that sabotage the formal treatment efforts of adults. Students exercising peer authority can manufacture and then escalate minor incidents into major confrontations. Staff who are unaware of the dynamics of the conflict can inadvertently be lured into the battle. (JPS)

Studied correlations between self-reported alcohol and marijuana use by college students (n=557) and peer and parental alcohol use, family alcohol abuse, and legalization attitudes. Major predictors for alcohol use were maternal alcohol use followed by peer use. Major predictors for marijuana use were desire for legalization followed by peer use…

Analyzed gender differences in responses of 66 White, middle-class Texas high school seniors to measures of identity development in the domain of sex role concepts. Male subjects expressed less acceptance than females of nontraditional behavior in men and women. Discusses subjects' perceptions of peer and parental influence. (DM)