Two approaches to group psychotherapy for the noninstitutionalized elderly are described and compared. One paradigm was based upon a behavioral orientation while the other was insight-oriented. The group treated with an insight orientation showed greater overall improvement, although only one measured difference was statistically significant.…

Two experiments explore the possibility of applying the theory of infor mation integration to study playgroup attractiveness. Subjects are six- and seven-year-old children. (CM)

One hundred fifty-two senior nursing students at a traditionally Black college participated in a study to determine the effect on academic performance of: (1) test-taking instruction; (2) a combination of test-taking instruction with cooperative learning procedures; or (3) no intervention. Spring semester grades were used to represent academic…

Explores the concept of peer writing groups by reviewing research and offering a plan for preparing, training, monitoring, and evaluating the peer writing group. (SD)

Administered questionnaires to a random sample of 202 female students at a four-year undergraduate university to obtain indicators of participation in university and community activities as well as attitudes about self. Results support the hypothesis that higher levels of student participation lead to higher levels of self-esteem. (Author)

This article discusses Piagetian theory as it pertains to the moral development of children. (RC)

During adolescence, peers emerge as the most significant social network, supplanting former strong ties to parents, teachers, and other adults. As adolescents seek to define their identities, they increasingly turn to and spend time with their peers. Peer-based prevention programs are designed to capitalize on these peer relationships by building…

Discusses Alcoholism as an illness in light of Alcoholics Anonymous' milieu therapy oriented program. (Editor)

Study considered peer social interaction and suggested that the potential effectiveness of peer play settings is pertinent for the study of the development of role-taking skills. (Author/RK)

A drug-use survey was administered in a large metropolitan, middle class high school to test two hypotheses: a. drug users can be divided according to the types of drugs used (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana vs. opiates, LSD, amphetamines, etc.); and, b. respondents' drug use is significantly related to their peers drug use. Both hypotheses were…

An investigation was made to determine the interrater reliability and validity of peer evaluations in a practicum setting. The interrater reliability on the Rating Scale of Counselor Effectiveness was high. Differences in absolute scores between student and supervisor were significant with students consistently rating their peers higher. (Author)

Author discusses some areas of responsibility professionals have for and to the paraprofessionals who work in the mental health field. (Author/CB)

Results clearly supported the hypothesis that adolescents who are typically nonverbal, and considered poor candidates for verbal-type psychotherapy, can be shaped into emitting a substantially higher rate of verbal initiations. (Author)