Examined interactive effects of peer behavior and adolescents' perceptions of authoritative parenting on grade point average and drug use among adolescents. Found that changes in GPA and drug use were predicted by friends' grades and drug use, although this effect was moderated by perceptions of authoritative parenting. (HTH)

Describes two drug prevention programs, highlighting aspects with potential for violence prevention and suggesting areas where peer helpers could contribute. The paper examines noninteractive and interactive programs, explaining the group process and describing how to form small groups and how peer helpers can facilitate essential interactions…

Among American Indian and non-Indian adolescents, drug and alcohol use was most likely to occur at weekend parties, at night with friends, and while driving around. Use at school was comparatively low. Heavy drug users were more likely to have friends who used drugs and encouraged drug use. (SV)

The differential effectiveness of a school-based alcohol use and misuse (AUM) prevention program on elementary school students' susceptibility to peer pressure (SPP) was studied. Findings showed that experimental group students with prior unsupervised AUM had significantly greater reduction than control students in rates of increase in SPP and…

Reviews studies of humanists' use of information and discusses three characteristics of the behavior of humanists in relation to trends in the application of new information technologies to the humanities: (1) reluctance to ask questions of reference librarians; (2) regard for influential peers; and (3) concentration on research specializations.…

Reviews the social and economic costs of at-risk youth and examines three conditions that create risk: poverty, lack of family guidance, and peer pressure. Stresses the need for (1) new roles for educators; and (2) collaboration among the educational, business, and human services communities in efforts to support youth and families. (BC)

Two groups of students with disabilities (n=14, ages 8-10) in self-contained classes participated in a teacher-directed peer confrontation system used in conjunction with a token economy system. Results showed that the system was effective in modifying inappropriate behavior and that students had positive reactions to the system. (Author/JDD)

Describes a peer leadership program implemented at a small rural Vermont school that grouped junior high students identified as having social skill problems with model high school students for activities such as field trips, challenge games, and community service projects. As a result, referrals for disciplinary action decreased among junior high…

Examines the probationary year in teacher education, noting that this period of intensive learning can reveal much about the processes of teacher professional development. Probationary teachers can potentially make substantial contributions to their own education, their schools, and the profession provided that there are effective induction…

The relative influence of best friends and social crowds of 324 older adolescents (eleventh graders) on cigarette smoking was examined to determine influences as a function of sex, conformity, and friendship mutuality. Best friends, rather than social crowd, appeared to be the major influence in this group. (SLD)

DARE's effectiveness in Charleston County (South Carolina) was studied by comparing 341 DARE to 367 non-DARE fifth-grade students. DARE teaches students to recognize and resist social pressures to use drugs. DARE has positive impacts on anti-substance abuse attitudes, assertiveness, positive peer association, association with drug-using peers, and…

As families and institutions change, many U.S. children could fail to realize their potential to lead fulfilling adult lives. Confronted by poverty, the crack cocaine epidemic, and increased exposure to violence, children make daily choices altering their life's course. Schools are increasingly expected to resolve social problems without…

This study of 1,478 adolescents who attended 10 private schools tested an integrative theoretical model of sexually active peer association. The model consisted of social control elements, family and peer linkage factors, peer bonding, coercive relationship variables, and acceptance seeking. Results suggest the relevance of social control elements…

A survey of 203 social and behavioral science students enrolled in a graduate-level research methodology course examined the relationship between learning style and library anxiety. Found that students with the highest levels of library anxiety tend to be those who like structure, are self-motivated, lack persistence, and are peer-oriented…

Research shows that adolescent girls face developmental issues and need camp programming providing involvement with trusted adults, community service opportunities, safe places, and avoidance of loneliness. In other research, race was more important than gender in leisure choices, with blacks having smaller, less influential, peer groups than…