Investigated fourth, sixth, and eighth graders' thinking about the role of a bystander and the role of a victim in the context of aggression. Findings suggest that evaluation of behavioral responses on the part of bystanders and victims is influenced by the relationship among the parties involved. (RJM)

Assessed the characteristics that predicted the timing of first sexual intercourse in high-risk adolescents. Employed event history analyses and defined predictor variables using multimethod and multiagent assessments. Found that precocious sexual initiative can be understood using models of the etiology of other problem behavior, and that…

Examined peer group contextual effects on relations between academic achievement and social functioning among Chinese 9-, 13-, and 16-year-olds. Found that peer groups were highly homogeneous on academic achievement. Academic achievement and social adjustment were associated at within-group individual and group levels. Group academic performance…

Examined preschoolers' use of display rules, their outcome expectancies when managing negative affect, and parental perceptions of family emotional expressivity. Found that children reported expressing emotion most to fathers; boys regulated affect with mothers more than did girls. Also found that children expressed emotion when expecting help,…

Studied adolescent personal and interpersonal characteristics, including social competence and thoughts on friendship and romantic interests during a camp reunion. Found that concurrent interest in relationships is a stronger predictor of social competence for participants with anxious histories, although participants with secure histories were…

Presents recent estimates on adolescents' risk status along with a description of the characteristics of young people who typically exhibit high-risk behaviors. Reviews common components of successful interventions and proposes a comprehensive approach to program planning that combines school-based reform with community agency efforts. (GR)

This analysis indicates that the majority of African American students at this predominantly white university drank in a responsible manner; other drug use was almost nonexistent. Strong peer disapproval was exhibited toward drug users and alcohol abusers. Implications for intervention, prevention, and policy decisions on the college campus are…

This case study examined relationships between Chris, a 12-year-old talented male, and 5 peers. Chris's peers had favorable influences on his academic and creative talent development in four areas: competition, support, motivation, and role modeling. He identified strongly with one of his peers in becoming a rock star. (Contains references.)…

This article begins with an overview of how historic notions of presumed African American intellectual inferiority permeate gifted education. The effect of race and its implications for gifted education are then examined, along with the influence of peer culture on African American schooling. The need for additional research is stressed. (Contains…

Relative performance of single-sex education and coeducation for 3,265 eighth graders in Thailand was assessed. Scores on standardized mathematics tests indicate that single-sex schools are more effective for females, whereas coeducational schools are more effective for males in improving student mathematics performance. These differentials are…

The Group-Oriented Adapted Levels System teaches students with behavior disorders the skills needed for being members of a successfully functioning peer group, while providing the classroom teacher with an effective classroom management approach. Student behaviors are mediated by peers; students work toward a common goal; and opportunities are…

Among children ranging in age from 5.5 to 7.5 years, there was no evidence that social conflict engineered in dyads composed of a conserver and a nonconserver stimulated cognitive change. It is concluded that the ineffectiveness of symmetrical social conflict is consistent with Piaget's conception of nonconservers. (RH)

Investigated smoking and tobacco-chewing habits of sixth and seventh graders (n=433). Students reported own tobacco use, perceptions of use among peers and friends, parental socioeconomic status, and other variables. Results indicated one-third of respondents had used some form of tobacco at least once. Norm perceptions and best friend's habits…

Investigates factors influencing the decision of secondary school students to continue or discontinue the study of French beyond the compulsory years in an Australian college. Results indicate that gender, perceived ability in French, encouragement from parents and teachers, peer group preference, and beliefs about the career relevance of French…

A peer mediation program in a suburban elementary school was studied to determine the types of conflicts, the strategies used in conflict resolution, and the types of resolutions at school and at home. Comparisons of 144 program students with 83 untrained students revealed significant impact of peer mediation. (SLD)