A peer tutoring program in which tutors were taught behavioral techniques as well as background information through a board game format was successful in promoting integration of a class of autistic adolescents in a middle school. Peer tutors helped to promote positive attitudes among students and teachers. (CL)

Assessed the relative impact of parents and peers for adolescent religious orientation in a survey of Australian adolescents (N=375). While peers (especially close friends) were important for the respondents' self-concept, there was no evidence that adolescent religion was a product of a distinctive youth subculture. There was consistent support…

An experimental, prevention-based alcohol education program for ninth graders is described. Study data indicate that the preventive alcohol education program, which used the Inoculation Theory, is effective in achieving desired outcomes. (CJ)

Provides one possible meaning for Native American chemical use by exploring the factors that create its context. Explores the implications that follow for the area of substance abuse prevention. Outlines the appropriate components of a prevention program. (RC)

Studied the characteristics of adolescents who ride with a drinking driver but do not drink and drive themselves. Selected socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol related attitudes and behaviors are investigated. Findings suggest riding with a drinking driver may lead to the eventual practice of drinking and driving. (Author)

A study attempted to relate the frequency and intensity of the use of specific drugs by college students to reasons for use, with the objective of differentiating types of users. Results indicate that the relationship between reason for use and intensity and frequency differs by drug. (JN)

Examined the relationship between the assertiveness, conformity, and drug use of 16 university students. Subjects were exposed to a series of 10 conformity tasks based on Asch's classic paradigm. One-way analyses of variance revealed that alcohol-marijuana users were less assertive and more compliant than "hard" drug users. (Author)

Compared the moral development of delinquent and nondelinquent adolescents. Subjects (N=249) were administered a morality test for children including the following measures: resistance to temptation, moral stage, feelings after offense, judgment about the severity of punishment, and confession. In most measures of moral development, nondelinquents…

Describes a study which investigated the effects that disc jockeys, peers, and music teachers had on fifth graders' music attitudes and listening behaviors. (Author/RM)

Reports a followup interview with a former street gang leader first interviewed eight years before. Restates his earlier endorsement of the economic or differential opportunity model of crime causation. Maintains that the advantages of work are not evident to most urban youths and improved employment opportunities are needed. (Author/JAC)

Six factors related to cheating behavior are identified: stress, environment, intelligence, personality characteristics, definitions of cheating, and moral judgment and will. The results of a faculty-student survey on cheating are reported, revealing different perceptions of what constitutes cheating. Methods for countering academic cheating are…

Health educators need to assist students in becoming more effective peer educators so that they can provide accurate information and advice concerning health and safety behavior to their peers. An effective peer education technique is role modeling, in which a peer imitates the meritorious behavior of the peer educator. (JN)

Peer education needs to be incorporated in nearly every facet of health education curriculum. Several aspects of peer education are discussed: various definitions, rationales for using it, opportunities to use peer education, and strategies. (CMJ)

Results of a study of third grade reading and mathematics scores in 1,021 New York State public elementary schools show that variations in school spending and educational resources, peer group influences, and community socioeconomic characteristics do affect average student achievement. (Author/RW)

Reports experimental research testing the following hypotheses: (1) sex differences in self-confidence are a function of a particular ability area; and (2) self-confidence of women is more influenced than men's by the characteristics of the particular individual with whom they compare themselves. (Author/EF)