Examined the effect of observation of gender-related information in the peer group on preschoolers' attention to toys that were not clearly delineated as appropriate for one sex or the other. Contemporaneous peer involvement was significantly associated with children's toy adoption, but cumulative peer involvement was not. (Author/BB)

Surveyed 1,340 students in grades 6 through 12 to test model of antecedents of adolescent alcohol use/misuse. Found that two largest direct effects on both adolescent alcohol use and misuse were from susceptibility to peer pressure and peer use and approval of alcohol use. Other predictors, including parental behaviors, were significant when…

Reports on a survey of high school students in two school systems. Information was obtained on patterns of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, indices of AOD use for grade and gender, and relationships of indices to individual, family, and social competence/adjustment risk factors. (SM)

Explores the value of peer-response groups in English-as-a-Second-Language writing classes. Analysis of Asian students' journal entries, peer-response sessions, and draft and final versions of students writing indicated that students tended to be positive about peer response but had some concerns. During the sessions, students engaged in varied…

Predictors of alcohol consumption were investigated across age and sex among junior and senior high school students (N=1,942). The dominant predictor for young boys was whether their friends drink; for girls it was related to interpersonal disorder. Peer pressure was important for older girls and continued dominant for boys. (EMK)

Examined natural behavior contingencies as mechanisms by which peers influence children's school motivation. Found that the more students were motivated, the more likely they were to receive approval from peer-group members following active, on-task behaviors. The less students were motivated, the more they received disapproval from nonmembers…

Uses data from a random sample of 13,250 adolescents. Results show that mother/adolescent bonding and family drug problems have modest, indirect effects on the likelihood of adolescent drug use; father/adolescent bonding, parental monitoring, and family aggression have relatively weak effects on adolescent drug use; and religious students do not…

Describes Wisconsin's HIV-prevention peer-education programs, examining written survey responses from advisors of 27 established programs. Results found similarities in program objectives and variations in program implementation. Few programs were designed to specifically reach youth at highest risk for HIV transmission. Advisors were extremely…

Reports on the findings of a study of drug and alcohol use among adolescents (N=779) who attended middle schools in a large urban city in the southwest United States. Examines the relationships between substance use, social support, and a variety of other psychosocial factors. Discusses implications of those relationships for human service…

Examines the effect of having a sibling or a dating partner on adolescents' relationships with others, focusing on the social rules used in relationships with peers, siblings, and parents. Data support a model of relationship management using siblings as stepping-stones of egalitarian peer features to the world of friends and authoritative parent…

Investigates environmental and behavioral risk factors as predictors of involvement in violent behavior among African American youth. Analyzed risk factors include exposure to violence, deteriorated school environment, negative peer environment, traumatic experiences, alcohol use, and substance abuse. Explores gender differences and suggests that…

Reviews the literature on young children's peer social development. Addresses implications of social learning theory and empirical research. Discusses recurring themes, including child/peer versus child/adult interactions, incorporation of toys and games, influence of mothers, and gender peer preferences. Considers areas lacking empirical support…

Reports on a qualitative investigation of the effects of indirect aggression from peers on teenage girls. Outlines the perceived characteristics of victims and their responses to indirect aggression. Asserts that an understanding of the painful effects of indirect aggression on girls is an important prelude to designing interventions to assist…

Forty-eight children (ages 5 to 13) with autism or related pervasive developmental disability were paired with normally developing peers for informal play periods. Compared to a control group, the experimental children demonstrated improved social behavior which sometimes generalized to interactions with other children and the larger school…

Presents an account of how a composition program can effectively address English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writers' linguistic, strategic, and rhetorical differences without separating them from their native-English-speaking (NES) peers. The program provided a positive cross-cultural communication experience for the ESL and NES participants. (six…