Focuses on the work of girls who take on the role of refereeing the course of action within the game of hopscotch. The fieldwork for this article is based on a study of the interaction of bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking girls. The range of experiences within this game challenges characterizations of girls' play as limiting the development…

Discusses the effects of gender segregation, which emerges in early childhood, on later adolescent and adult relationships. Suggests that communication and power relations in male-female relationships are likely to be influenced by gender differences in social norms. Provides recommendations for parents and teachers interested in encouraging…

High-school male and female students completed a survey on perceptions regarding nonconsensual sexual activity. Females, blacks, and students with low academic achievement were significantly more likely to perceive that all or most of their close friends were having sex. Females were more knowledgeable than males about nonconsensual sexual…

A commentary on the articles in this special issue addresses the themes of the origins and consequences of children's adversarial social roles and behaviors; children's peer relationships as a context for social learning and development; and linkages between the family and peer systems. (LB)

Montana's school tobacco referendum includes youth in decisions regarding tobacco and health, demonstrating peer disapproval of tobacco use. The referendum, which asked students whether vendors should refuse tobacco sales to minors, follows the example of the Bozeman, Montana, school district in which secondary students and staff supported tobacco…

Employees in rural Utah businesses were taught to provide on-the-job training to mildly disabled trainees. Over a two-year period, disabled workers taught by co-worker trainers had greater job retention and employer satisfaction; they required less time from placement specialists than disabled workers without co-worker support. (SV)

Compared effects of peer-delivered (PDF) and self-delivered (SDF) immediate corrective feedback intervention on multiplication performance of six second grade students. SDF resulted in greater multiplication performance for four of six students, suggesting that SDF interventions may be more efficient and less obtrusive than PDF interventions and…

Analyzed smoking intentions and peer group influences among 1,689 eighth grade students to ascertain possible gender-specific correlates in adolescent smoking intentions. Peer environment was found to be crucial factor in adolescent smoking behavior. Particularly striking for adolescent girls was firmness of their expressed intentions to continue…

Academic performance differences between 35 general education students, educated in an environment that included 5 students with mental handicaps or emotional disorder, and 108 general education students in noninclusive environments were compared. Results revealed no significant differences between the two groups in reading, language arts,…

Identifies negative factors in the current culture and surroundings of Black males from childhood through adolescence, and their consequences in adulthood. Recommends programs that instill confidence and spur achievement through awareness of positive aspects of African American history and culture. (DM)

Reports on functions of preschoolers' literacy-based verbal exchanges in a print-enriched play environment. Content of four and five year olds' play behavior was systematically analyzed. Results suggest that children's collaborative engagement in literacy through play may have an important influence on their developing understanding of written…

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…