Discusses why an individual begins to experiment with drugs and when such activities are likely to take place. An understanding of these factors provides insight into ways to prevent drug abuse. Notes that the family may prove to be the most enduring point of prevention and intervention. (BB)

This study showed that friendship with popular girls is an important avenue for peer status among junior high females. Many popular girls avoid interactions with students of lower status, causing resentment and dislike. There develops a cycle of popularity, in which feelings toward popular girls move from positive to negative. (Author/RM)

Suggests that the apparent lack of effectiveness of alcohol and drug education programs may stem from the lack of a sound theoretical basis for program development and evaluaton. Reviews (1) the relevance of socialization theory to adolescent drinking and (2) the influence of parents and peers. (JAC)

A conceptual model of the factors affecting dropout syndrome was develop emphasizing academic, social, and personal outcomes of the selection or socialization of students at a university. The model was estimated using path analysis, and the intervening variables were found to be important predictors of dropout syndrome. (Author/DWH)

Describes a peer culture development program implemented in three Chicago public high schools (N=150), which uses peer influence in group meetings (classes) as means for reduction of adolescent problem behavior. Reports an evaluation study providing generally positive findings showing reduction in destructive or detrimental behavior. (Author/LLL)

Reactions of 96 fifth- and sixth-graders to being imitated were assessed in a compliance situation and by self-report measures of attraction toward the imitating child. It was hypothesized that subjects who perceived peer imitation to be coincidental would respond more favorably than if they perceived imitation to be an attempt to influence their…

This paper addresses the nature of child-initiated episodes of mathematical patterning prior to formal schooling. In a multi-site case study, children's engagement in mathematical patterning experiences was investigated as was the teachers' involvement and influence in these experiences. A conceptual framework was used to guide the examination of…

The New DARE middle school program, Take Charge of Your Life, has reinvented DARE as part of a major national research study that promises to help teachers and administrators address the issues of drugs and school violence. Gone is the old-style approach to prevention in which an officer stands behind a podium and lectures students in straight…

An assessment was taken by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on violent behavior among adolescents in the United States to guide research towards areas that require intervention. The NIMH gathered information on the risk factors, experiences, and processes related to the development of aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior…

This paper estimates peer effects by taking advantage of random assignment of first-year roommates through a housing lottery at a large state university. Preliminary results show that, when compared with white students who have white roommates, white students with black roommates express much more positive attitudes regarding affirmative action…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of gender in young children's teasing and bullying behavior. Observations and interviews were conducted with children in K-3 public school classrooms in urban and suburban locales with racially, ethnically, and economically diverse student bodies. The observations documented the gender of…

This report discusses current research findings on the effects of peers and social interaction on academic achievement, then analyzes current national data, comparing results to the existing academic literature. Data from the 1998 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) database on reading were used to test the influences of peer…

The Vicarious Learning project is aimed at understanding the role of dialogue in learning about complex conceptual domains. The fundamental assumption of "vicarious learning" is that students can receive benefits from exposure to discussions among their peers and between students and tutors. To elicit dialogues that can be captured, F.…

Assessed the impact of assertion training on college students' (N=48) drug use. Results showed the assertion training group exhibited significantly less willingness to use drugs, less drug use, and more drug refusals than a placebo discussion group. Results support the effectiveness of assertion in reducing peer pressure. (JAC)

Introduces journal issue devoted to youth in the electronic environment. Asks if contemporary adolescents are surrounded by an "electronic environment" and how that environment may influence their development and growth. (CMG)