Tests with linear structural equations (LISREL) suggest that an integrative model best explains interrelationships among peer deviancy, psychological vulnerability, inhalant availability, family environment, acculturative and socioeconomic stress, and educational attainment, and their longitudinal effects on inhalant use and drug use severity…

Examines risk factors for adolescent suicide among Navajos by comparing survey responses of students having attempted suicide with those of other students. A history of mental health problems, alienation from family and community, and having a friend commit suicide put students at a higher risk for suicide. (CJS)

Examines the effects of social influences on undergraduates' decisions to leave or remain at the university where they began their higher education. Reports that, with other variables held constant, effects of social influences on students' persistence remained significant. Finds that parents and peers have stronger influence than faculty on the…

Examined effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus sexual risk-reduction approach with college women (n=213). Trained opinion leaders were modestly effective in promoting safer sex precautions and altering community norms around safer sex behavior among women, providing support for peer influence model. Women in long relationships reported…

Describes a systematic program conducted at a rural secondary school to teach students with moderate mental retardation ways to resist peer pressure. Peers without disabilities were used to identify common situations of peer pressure and to serve as confederates in setting up situations where students with mental retardation learned to "just say…

Study assessed the incidence of bullying of students in Years 7, 9, 10, and 11. Significant reductions in victimization were reported only for Year 7 students. A significant increase in support for anti-bullying initiatives was found among students Grade 10 and 11. Anti-bullying activities directed and undertaken by students themselves received…

Analyzes the patterns and variations of "grapevining," or social networks, through interviews with 172 parents who were in the process of choosing secondary schools for their children. Finds that there are three types of parent responses to using the grapevine as a means for school choice: (1) suspicion; (2) doubt; and (3) acceptance. (CMK)

A study used longitudinal data and data from a survey of faculty at the same institution to explore the relative influence of student peer groups and faculty reference groups on students' sociopolitical attitudes. Results are consistent with earlier work indicating that peer norms are more instrumental than faculty norms in influencing student…

Describes an after-school program in which 54 youth mentors worked with 584 elementary and middle-school children in small groups over a two-year period. Focuses on bonding, prosocial norms, peer influence, participant characteristics, service features, and other factors. Outcomes suggest that the program benefitted both children and mentors. (RJM)

Investigated life contexts and activities of youth living with HIV as peer leaders in community-based programs delivering HIV education to uninfected adolescents. Identified and categorized difficulties experiences by peer leaders in areas of professional boundaries, substance abuse, and sexual behaviors that placed themselves and uninfected peers…

Assessed contributions of internal resources, supportive family and peer relations, peer negative influences, and behavioral adjustment to positive expectations for the future for inner-city school children. Found that higher levels of positive expectation related to lower levels of problem behavior and to higher levels of school involvement,…

This introduction to the needs of hard-of-hearing children for regular classroom teachers clarifies terminology; discusses prevalence; and identifies social/emotional, academic, and communication issues. It offers practical suggestions including general enabling strategies, communication/presentation of materials, teacher strategies, peer-helping…

A study investigated use of upper-level undergraduate pharmacy students, rather than graduate students, as mentors/teaching assistants in a pharmacy ethics course. Course participants felt the student mentors facilitated their successful completion of the course, and that carefully selected, trained, and supported upper-level undergraduate student…

A longitudinal study assessed the relationship between Black and Puerto Rican adolescent generational status (since immigration) and psychosocial factors predicting later marijuana use. Interviews with 108 Blacks and 392 Puerto Ricans at ages 14 and 19 indicate that the impact of generational status was mediated by psychosocial variables such as…

Study tests familial and adult influences, peer relations, and distal contextual factors as correlates of a continuous measure of bullying behavior within a sample of middle school students. Results reveal parental physical discipline, time spent without adult supervision, negative peer influences, and neighborhood safety concerns were each…