Uses a self-report instrument to examine the relationship of family structure to adolescent drug use and peer-related factors. Finds significant differences in drug use variables, with adolescents from intact families reporting less frequent drug use, fewer drug-using friends, and more perceptions of peer disapproval of drug use. (GCP)

Examines differences between rage and violence. States that attitudes towards violence are influenced by: family, peer group, the media, weapons, school structure, and community. Strategies for preventing rage and aggression include: (1) communicating clear behavioral expectations; (2) giving frequent praise and other forms of recognition; and (3)…

Identifies the educational-, social-, and health-related risk-taking behavior (RTB) for children and adolescents and investigates the presence of gender- and age-related patterns. Reveals that health-related RTB is the most easily identified; educational and social RTB was greater for males while health RTB was greater for females; and involvement…

Project uses faith-based organizations to identify strengths in high-risk children and youth. Programs spanning grades 4 to 12 matched youth with prosocial peers and adults and provided opportunities for expanding their personal goals and educational horizons. Activities in mentoring built relationships, strengthened academic skills, and raised…

Investigates children's understanding of rules by observing 5-,6-, and 7-year olds engaging in unrestricted group activity as they built and played with a bridge. Reveals that the children's tendency to develop and change rules demonstrated their understanding of rules that were not associated with the rules of adults. (CMK)

A study involving five elementary-age children with moderate disabilities and five typical peers evaluated the use of a structural analysis model as a vehicle for improving social interactions via peer-mediated interventions. Results indicate structural analysis was usable as a prescriptive tool to develop effective peer-mediated interventions.…

Distinguishes between relevant domains (school vs. leisure) and conventional versus non-conventional personal characteristics and skills in a sample of 219 delinquent boys. Uncovers differences in the formation of the self concept of societally at-risk boys and provides implications for prevention, management, and further research. (EMK)

Evaluated psychometric properties of the Aggression Scale, a self-report measure of aggressive behaviors for middle school students. Found that reliability scores were high. Found no significant variations by gender, ethnicity, or grade level. Also found stability through 2 years, and positive association with independent ratings of student…

Reports on research with four focus groups of 17-year-old girls of different education levels, about their need, expectations, and attitudes concerning contraceptives. Determined: (1) the school physician is not the person they want to seek help from; (2) peer influence is very important; and (3) girls expect confidentiality from their family…

Explores the intervention process of an indicated prevention program for high-risk youth (N=106). Results showed that there were direct and/or indirect effects of teacher and peer group support on personal control, depression, and suicide risk behaviors. The hypothesis that personal control mediates between support resources and reductions in…

This article highlights the myriad behavioral and adjustment problems that flow from negative self-perceptions about body image in children and adolescents. These negative beliefs are often exacerbated by peer harassment. (Author/MKA)

Investigated the cognitive gains of interacting pairs of Grade 10 students who show low levels of competence and fail to solve a task individually but who improve when working in peer interaction. Found that this phenomenon may occur when the two students disagree, have different strategies, and active hypothesis testing is made possible. (JPB)

Investigates the nature of input available to learners in the institutional setting of the academic advising session. Results indicate that evidence for the realization of speech acts, positive evidence from peers and status unequals, the effect of stereotypes, and limitations of a learner's pragmatic and grammatical competence are influential…

Studied why native-born American students are less motivated and less successful at learning French than non-native-born students. Findings indicate that native-born American students' lack of exposure to foreign languages and cultures via the media affected their motivation. Strategies are outlined for increasing motivation through greater…

This study demonstrated the use of peer sampling in establishing goals for instructing two older women with visual impairments in independent living skills. The participants nominated their own peers who provided measures on specific tasks that would add a greater degree of self-determination to the goal-setting process. (Contains references.)…