Relationships between academic achievement and amounts of time devoted to various pursuits were studied for 1,584 seventh and ninth graders. Findings are discussed in terms of the impact on academic achievement of adolescent subculture and of family, school, peer group, and mass media as means of socialization. (SLD)

A peer modeling procedure was shown to induce swallowing in a young child with dysphagia, and to increase food acceptance in a young child who consistently declined food. A peer-mediated procedure, consisting of rotated opportunities to consume food with a peer, increased consumption more than did modeling alone. (Author/JDD)

Examines how three different feedback methods and drawing approaches influenced peer interaction among fifth grade students and their communication with the teacher. Suggests that the frequency of different types of talk was influenced by the form of teacher feedback, the drawing approaches used in the lesson, and other contextual factors. (KM)

Describes levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge, condom use, self-efficacy, and intentions to practice HIV-safe behaviors among 52 young incarcerated African-American males. Although overall knowledge and intent to practice safe sex were moderate, transmission knowledge was low. Peer and subjective norms support condom use. (SLD)

Adolescents in New Zealand (492 boys and 468 girls) completed a 22-item scale concerning their self-perceived strengths. Parent, peer, and school attachment, part-time work, and number of physical activities in which they were involved (NPAs) were central for boys. Girls' strengths were best predicted by parent attachment and NPAs. (TJH)

Examines the correlates of substance abuse among New Jersey middle school students by employing an epidemiological perspective in which an individual's risk of using cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs is predicted to increase in relation to the amount of vulnerability and/or risk an individual faces. (Author/MKA)

Four high school students and one 1993 graduate interviewed about school shootings identify contributing factors: parent neglect, ignorance of emotional problems among students, peer pressure exerted by cliques, stress caused by pressure to excel, and alienation resulting from large schools and overworked teachers. Prevention measures include…

Examined the impact of a sexual risk reduction program for rural 10th graders based on diffusion of innovations theory and the transtheoretical model. Students completed either a peer leadership training program or no intervention. Pre- and post-intervention surveys indicated that the intervention program resulted in significantly higher levels of…

Examined middle school students' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding bicycle helmet use. Surveys indicated that most rode bicycles but did not use helmets, despite understanding their protective capabilities, because of poor peer support and helmet design. There was a positive relationship between helmet ownership and use. Most…

Examined the relevancy of group social functioning to individual social, academic, and psychological adjustment in China. Found that social functioning--including sociability, aggression, and shyness-inhibition--of group peers had unique contributions to individual social and school adjustment and adjustment problems, and that contributions of…

Recommends the application of cognitive-developmental theory with young offenders. The theory claims that moral reasoning can be developed through discussion with others. Summarizes a study where 40 young offenders participated in moral-dilemma discussions with another subject that differed in level of moral reasoning and peer status. (MJP)

Classroom observations and field notes were collected during group reading time in four southeast London primary schools to investigate the interplay between gender, teacher, and peer group influences. Reading behavior among boys differed in each classroom. English as an Additional Language (EAL) male students seemed highly motivated;…

Explored interrelationships among day-care experience, temperament, and preschoolers' social behaviors in a peer play laboratory. Found that sex predicted both aggressive and prosocial behaviors, and daycare inhibited socialization for some children. Findings suggest that variables of temperament and day-care experience are important to consider…

This article focuses on two education-related factors that appear to contribute to the schooling aspirations and self-efficacy of Hispanic youth: (1) sense of belonging at school; and (2) composition of the student's peer group. In particular, middle school students whose home language was Spanish were given an opportunity to participate in the…

We examined effects of self-care after school hours and psychosocial factors on cigarette smoking and alcohol use among adolescents in China. Survey data were obtained from 4734 7th and 11th grade students from seven cities across China. Students were queried about the frequency and quantity of unsupervised self-care after school in an average…