Peer-facilitator and/or peer counseling programs are having a real impact in schools. Guidelines provided in the article were found to have value in development and implementation of the program at Buchholy High School, Gainesville, Florida. More than 2,200 students, 120 teachers, 80 parents and nine administrators have been involved. (Author/MC)

Claims that pairing children fosters interpersonal development, problem-solving skills, and moral development, when other interventions have failed. Offers tips to school counselors on getting started, on session content, on play and problem-solving activities, and on ways to explore moral dilemmas. Outlines the counselor's role in pair…

Reports an investigation of the outcomes of a Peer Support scheme for the students who are supported. Attendance at Peer Support sessions was positively and significantly correlated to academic performance; however, students who attended sessions adopted less meaning oriented approaches to studying over the course of the year. Results suggest the…

Compared experimental group of 76 first-year students trained as peer advisors with control group of 34 similar characteristic peers on pre-post measures: University Experience Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale. Results indicated no significant differences between two groups, but exploratory analysis resulted…

Interviewed six North American leaders in the field of peer counseling about their perspectives on training and program issues, future trends, and needed research areas. Found responses showed both similarities and differences and covered a broad range of concerns. (Author)

Evaluates a peer counseling program aimed at helping first-year students use computers in the University of Newcastle economics department. The scheme has not harmed students' abilities to use computers and, in some cases, has improved their skill. The scheme is inexpensive and provides significant potential savings in staff and hardware costs.…

Describes challenges faced by a women's center when their relatively homogenous, middle class clientele shifted to one of diverse inner-city women. Strategies for meeting these challenges included encouraging staff members to examine their personal values and coping skills, reassessment of services and service delivery, and a commitment to…

Describes the use of collaborative strategies involving faculty/student teams at Brown University. Highlights the Curricular Advising Program; which involves faculty and upperclass students in first-year student advising; the Odyssey Program, which involves students in curriculum development; the Rose Writing Fellows Program; and the collaborative…

Interviews with 190 participants in Money Sense--a financial management education program based on the "master volunteer" approach--showed that the program taught them food shopping and money management skills and helped save money on food costs. Most experienced fewer financial problems and perceived their financial status as improved.…

The article describes the implementation of Immediate Strategic Intervention, a counseling strategy which utilizes trained adolescent female friends to help during the first 24 hours of an emotional crisis (e.g., potential suicide). Middle school adolescents can be taught basic psychological concepts and utilize them in supporting friends and…

Formative evaluation of San Francisco's Homeless Prenatal Program showed that it improves birth outcomes and transforms clients' lives. Its empowerment model emphasizes the mother-child connection as well as "giving back"; community health outreach workers were themselves homeless mothers who provide peer support and serve as role…

Provides operational framework for defining and interpreting peer interventions. Recommends that consideration be given to what constitutes "peerness," the aims and methods of an intervention, and the ways in which peer educators are involved. Explains the distinction between "peer development" and "peer delivery,"…

When depressed youth turn from the pathway of retreat to the pathway of vengeance, the results can be tragic. Article offers strategies that adults and other youth can use to reach these youth before their inward pain turns outward. (Author)

Describes a peer helper program developed for students in grades K-5. The program applies the concept that each student has something positive to offer the school and is responsible for providing that service. Discusses program goals and objectives, ways to gain support for the program, training, implementation, and evaluation. (RJM)

Describes the EQUIP Program, a new psychoeducational model that teaches antisocial youth to think and act responsibly through a peer-helping approach. Highlights the challenges presented by antisocial youth, reviews the development of earlier psychoeducational methods, and outlines basic program components. Initial research shows significant…