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PubMed1996

On the importance of peer influence for adolescent drug use: commonly neglected considerations.

Peer influence is generally believed to be a major cause of adolescent drug behavior. This paper reviews research findings on friend selection and projection to suggest that the magnitude of friend influence may be overestimated. This paper also observes that, although adolescent drug use is assumed to begin in response to peer group influence, peer groups have rarely been measured in studies of drug behavior. Social network analysis is identified as a promising method for measuring peer groups. The implications of this review for research and programs are considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Practitioner review: problems in children's peer relations: what can the clinician do?

This paper describes the assessment and treatment of children with peer relationship problems. The first part of the paper is organized around five topics: peer rejection, peer neglect, the absence of friendships, reputation in the peer group, and peer group affiliations. Next, a series of assessment methods is delineated, including peer, teacher, parent and self reports, as well as direct observational procedures. Finally, we suggest a number of treatment options, including social skills training, social cognitive interventions, and co-operative group interventions.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed2004

Callous-unemotional traits and delinquent peer affiliation.

Association with a deviant peer group is a robust correlate of juvenile antisocial behavior. The current study focused on whether this association differed for antisocial youth with and without callous-unemotional (CU) traits and whether potential mediators of this association differed for the 2 groups. Deviant peer group association was examined in a community sample (N = 98) of high-risk youth. The sample was assessed at 4 yearly intervals. Across all assessment points, children with conduct problems and CU traits showed the highest level of affiliation with deviant peers. At the first 2 assessment points, this effect was largely mediated by dysfunctional parenting and problems in the child's social relationships. In contrast, the mediational role of these variables was much weaker at the last 2 assessment points.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

"It wasn't me, it was them!" social influence in risky behavior by adolescents.

Many years of concerted policy effort in Western countries has not prevented young people from experimenting with cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana. One potential explanation is that social interactions make consumption "sticky". We use detailed panel data from the Add Health survey to examine risky behavior (the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana) by American adolescents. We find that, even controlling for school fixed effects, these behaviors are correlated with lagged peer group behavior. Peer group effects are strongest for alcohol use, and young males are more influential than young females. Last, we present some evidence of non-linearities in social interactions.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patient participation in peer support groups after a cardiac event.

Peer support groups may be important in long-term rehabilitation after a cardiac event. Questions can be raised about the clients that peer support groups attract. The aim of this study was to compare people who chose to attend peer support groups after a cardiac event with people who declined to attend with regard to health conditions, personal traits, lifestyle and available social support. Patients who sustained a myocardial infarction or were treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery (n = 197) responded to a questionnaire. The results showed that there were differences between attenders (n = 64) and non-attenders (n = 133). Attenders reported more health problems than non-attenders, but scored higher on several dimensions of social support. Non-attenders, however, seemed to have a somewhat more relaxed attitude to life than attenders. The homogeneity of the subjects made it difficult to discern which personal and situational factors were of importance for social support seeking in peer support groups. The research indicates that innovative approaches are needed to encourage participation in existing peer support groups.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1994

Two social worlds: social correlates and stability of adolescent status groups.

Adolescents' peer group status in high school was examined using self-report, peer nominations, and archival data collected during 2 consecutive school years. Higher status students (popular and controversial) had more close friends, engaged more frequently in peer activities, and self-disclosed more than lower status students (rejected and neglected). They were also more involved in extracurricular school activities and received more social honors from their schoolmates. Although the higher status students were more alike than different, controversial adolescents did report more self-disclosure and dating behavior than popular students. Lower status students were also highly similar, although rejected students reported lower grades. Regarding the temporal stability of these status groups, the adolescent sample exhibited slightly higher overall stability than that found in previous investigations of younger children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Pushing proficiency testing results to their limits.

PT is a valuable component of laboratory quality control and management practice. PT results are useful to determine over time that a method is performing in a laboratory according to the manufacturer's design parameters, as exhibited by the performance characteristic of a large group of peer laboratories. PT peer group results give a good measure of the interlaboratory imprecision of a method, and summary reports document the state-of-the-art in user preference. PT results typically cannot be used to validate the accuracy of a method or its clinical utility or to compare the accuracy of various methods. These limitations are caused by the common and unpredictable matrix interferences with PT materials and most routine laboratory methods. In situations where a laboratory adjusts the calibration of one method to make patient results agree with those of another method, PT specimens results must be reported without calibration adjustments to allow those results to be compared to an appropriate peer group mean target value.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

Alternative child care in France: advances in the study of motor, interactive, and social behaviors of young children in settings allowing them to move freely in a group of peers.

This paper reports new data on the emergence and development from the 9th to 19th month of age of motor, interactive, and social behaviors of 17 children with peers in a milieu that allows the "conquest" of the third dimension of space without limitation of their motor activity. Their motor skills and social behaviors appear more precocious and complex than previously indicated by scientific publications, clinical observations, and developmental scales. 1. The motor skills that allow the "conquest" of climbing structures (ascents of a spiral staircase and a ramp) are already observed before the age of 12 months in some children (ascents of the ramp) or nearly half of them (ascents of the staircase). Complex social behaviors (multimodal interactions from here and there along a holed partition, imitations, cooperations, anticipation of the behavior of the partner) also emerge before 12 months. 2. The age range from 12 to 14 to 15 months is characterized by consolidation of the motor skills that allow the "conquest" of the third dimension of the space and a rapid increase of the imitations and interactions around the holed partition. 3. The age range from 14 to 18 months is characterized by diversification of the posturomotor patterns during ascents and descents of staircase and ramp and the growing predominance of the standing position. This is also a phase of significant increase in frequency of imitations and cooperations and of emergence of complex forms of cooperation. 4. Aggression is infrequent at all ages.

Child Day Care Centers↗
PubMed2005

What do cancer support groups provide which other supportive relationships do not? The experience of peer support groups for people with cancer.

This qualitative study examined the questions of what cancer support groups provide that other supportive relationships do not, and what the self perceived consequences are of support group attendance. Nine representative Australian cancer peer support groups, consisting of a total of 93 interviewees, 75 women, and 18 men, with a mean age of 62, took part in participant observation and focus group interviews, with the data analysed using positioning theory. Support groups were positioned by participants as providing a unique sense of community, unconditional acceptance, and information about cancer and its treatment, in contrast to the isolation, rejection, and lack of knowledge about cancer frequently experienced outside the group. Groups were also positioned as occasionally emotionally challenging, in contrast to the experience of normalising support from family and friends. Increased empowerment and agency were positioned as the most significant consequences of group support, consisting of increased confidence and a sense of control in relation to self, living with cancer, and interactions with others, in particular the medical profession. The support group was also positioned as facilitating positive relationships with family and friends because of relieving their burden of care, by providing a safe space for the expression of emotion. No difference was found between professionally led and peer led support groups, suggesting that it is not the professional background of the leader which is of importance, but whether the group provides a supportive environment, mutuality, and a sense of belonging, and whether it meets the perceived needs of those attending. It is suggested that future research should examine the construction and experience of social support in those who drop out of, or who do not attend, cancer support groups, in order to provide further insight into the contrast between social support within groups and support in other contexts.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The biobehavioral consequences of psychogenic stress in a small, social primate (Callithrix jacchus jacchus).

The biobehavioral consequences of psychogenic stress were examined using neuroendocrine and ethological methods in a captive colony of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus jacchus). Specifically, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity was evaluated as a function of gender and social status in four consecutive social environments [(1) stable heterosexual pairs; (2) isolation; (3) unstable peer groups; and (4) stable peer groups], by measuring both basal plasma cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin concentrations and responsiveness of these hormones to dexamethasone, ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH), and ACTH1-24. Socially stressful conditions, such as isolation and peer group formation, were associated with increased HPA axis function and behavioral arousal, and individual profiles were related to gender and social status. Hormonal levels prior to group formation predicted subsequent status in peer groups. Basal morning concentrations of plasma cortisol, as well as cortisol responsiveness to dexamethasone suppression, were sensitive indices of HPA axis arousal during periods of social stress. The context-dependent development of hormonal and behavioral profiles, reminiscent of depression and/or anorexia nervosa, suggests that the common marmoset may be a useful model of psychiatric hypercortisolism.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2007

Older but wilier: In-group accountability and the development of subjective group dynamics.

To test social and cognitive variables that may affect the development of subjective group dynamics, the authors had 224 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years evaluate an in-group and an out-group and normative and deviant in-group members under conditions of high or low accountability to in-group peers. In-group bias and relative favorability to normative versus deviant in-group members (differential evaluation) increased when children were accountable to peers and as a function of perceptions of peer group acceptance of these members (differential inclusion). These effects were significantly larger among older children. Multiple classification ability was unrelated to judgments of group members. This study shows that the development of subjective group dynamics involves an increase in sensitivity to the normative aspects of the intergroup context.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1997

The effect of monetary incentives and peer support groups on repeat adolescent pregnancies. A randomized trial of the Dollar-a-Day Program.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypotheses that (1) a monetary incentive promotes peer-support group participation; and (2) peer-support group participation decreases repeat adolescent pregnancies. DESIGN: Two-year, prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Denver, Colo. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 286 primiparous girls younger than 18 years, whose infants were younger than 5 months. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to 4 interventions: monetary incentive and peer-support group, peer-support group only, monetary incentive only, or no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Consistency of participation in planned intervention and repeat pregnancy. RESULTS: Participation in interventions was generally low. Hypothesis 1 was supported: 58% of those offered a monetary incentive participated in the peer-support groups, compared with 9% of those who were not offered the incentive. Hypothesis 2 was rejected: the peer-support group experience failed to prevent repeat pregnancies. The incidence of second pregnancies at 6 months (9%, 22/248), at 12 months (20%, 49/248), at 18 months (29%, 72/248), and at 24 months (39%, 97/248) following delivery did not vary significantly in relation to intervention strategy. Background sociodemographic characteristics significantly affected the timing of subsequent conceptions but not intervention participation. CONCLUSION: A monetary incentive draws adolescent mothers to sites where they can discuss the costs and benefits of contraception and conception with knowledgeable adults and supportive peers. These discussions do not prevent repeat pregnancies. Further studies are needed to determine if an intervention that produces substantive changes in the daily living environment will eliminate the sexual practices that are responsible for the high rate of repeat pregnancy in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

An educational programme for peer review groups to improve treatment of chronic heart failure and diabetes mellitus type 2 in general practice.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Peer review groups are considered helpful for quality improvement in primary care. An interactive educational programme for small peer groups was developed, focusing on the implementation of newly developed treatment guidelines. The aim is to evaluate the effect of the programme on adherence to treatment guidelines in general practice. METHODS: A cluster randomized trial using a balanced incomplete block design was used; one arm received a programme on treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF), the other on hypertension treatment in diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). A random sample of 10 CHF and 10 T2DM patients per GP was drawn, for whom data were extracted from electronic patient records 1 years before and 6 months after the intervention. The outcomes were prescribing of ACE inhibitors, and antihypertensive treatment in T2DM. The effect was analysed separately for both programmes using multilevel regression models. RESULTS: All 27 peer review groups in one region in the Netherlands were randomized, of which 16 participated. No significant effects were observed in the CHF group or in the T2DM group. The opportunity for change was limited, as only 53% of the CHF patients and 60% of the T2DM patients had a contact with their GP between the intervention and follow-up measurement. CONCLUSION: The peer review programme was not successful for changing the treatment of chronic patients, although the programme focused on dealing with barriers perceived by the participants. Not all problems perceived can be solved in a peer group discussion.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1997

Peer review groups: problems and solutions.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate and delineate principles for dealing with problems encountered in peer review groups. METHOD: A workshop format was utilised in which a number of interested psychiatrists were invited to role-play specific problems which occurred in established peer review groups, and reported in recent research studies. Process notes or videotapes were used to record proceedings. Principles were delineated for the management of five specific problems via role-play and discussion. RESULTS: Principles have been delineated for the management of the following problems reported by peer review groups: dominating group member; member with disturbing behaviour; member providing inadequate treatment; member transgressing treatment boundaries; and group members strongly disagreeing about the management of a case. CONCLUSION: Problems encountered within peer review groups were adequately replicated during role-played enactments. The workshop format offered a means of engaging with these, allowing exploration and subsequent resolution of problems which had not proved resolvable in the real group peer review situation.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Investigating the nature of formal social support provision for young mothers in a city in the North West of England.

Young mothers often require support to remain socially 'included' after becoming pregnant and this, in its turn, could protect their health. In this context, new policy initiatives aimed at tackling social exclusion, such as those implemented under the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, could be working to build social support mechanisms. The present paper addresses the issue of whether statutory services do in fact deliver 'social inclusion', through the provision of appropriate social support for young mothers. Data are drawn from semistructured interviews with service providers from a variety of different settings. The questionnaire was structured around an established model of social support, developed by M. Barrera, called the Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviours. The study took place in a deprived inner city in North West England. Eleven participants were interviewed from seven separate organisations. The findings indicate that there were well-developed referral systems between services, with services adopting a social model of health. Much informational and emotional support was provided. What was less clear is how services are enabling social support to be developed amongst peer groups accessing the services particularly at community level. It is questionable to what extent services are able to foster the development of social support through social activities and support groups, and even whether it is appropriate to expect them to do so. In some sense, services go some way to delivering social inclusion, in that they are providing advice about income, housing and other opportunities. However, services appear to be missing an opportunity to foster social inclusion through the lack of development of supportive networks amongst groups of peers, which may have implications for the health of young mothers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of a peer support group therapy for HIV-infected adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a peer support group therapy on HIV-infected adolescents. DESIGN: A prospective study of a cohort of HIV-infected adolescents participating or not participating in a psychodynamic oriented, emotional support group. METHODS: From a group of 30 perinatally HIV-infected adolescents who attended an outpatient clinic, 10 agreed to participate in the peer support group (group 1), 10 declined (group 2) and 10 others who lived too far from the clinic were not invited to participate (group 3). The three groups were compared at baseline and 2 years later using the outcome measures: perceived illness experience scale, perceived treatment inventory, self-esteem inventory. RESULTS: At baseline, the three groups had similar characteristics overall. The adolescents' self-esteem was in the normal range. After 2 years, worries about illness had decreased in group 1, whereas the scores had increased or remained the same for the other adolescents (P = 0.026). The adolescents in group 1 had less negative perception of treatment at 2 years than those in groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.030). After intervention, the percentage of adolescents with an undetectable viral load had increased in group 1 from 30 to 80% (P = 0.063) but was unchanged in groups 2 and 3. Considering the three groups altogether, the decrease in the viral load correlated with improvement of the perceived treatment inventory (Spearman R = 0.482 P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: : This pilot study suggests that a peer support group intervention is associated with an improvement in adolescents' emotional well being, and that this can have a positive influence on medical outcomes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Perinatal morbidity in women with undiagnosed gestational diabetes in northern thuringia in Germany.

INTRODUCTION: Undiagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with severe perinatal complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of 970 women, infant and maternal morbidity was assessed in 114 mother-children-pairs with an infant birth weight over the 90th percentile (Voigt et al., 1996). It was the aim of this retrospective study to assess the number of mothers with undiagnosed GDM, who have born a macrosomic child. RESULTS: The macrosomia rate in newborns was 12 % in this study excluding macrosomic infants of mothers with preexisting diabetes mellitus. Maternal data: Age 28.3 +/- 5.3 years, adipositas (body-mass-index > 30 kg/m) in 42.1 % vs. 30.4 % in the peer group (p < 0.02), increase in weight > 15 kg during pregnancy in 57.9 % of the mothers who have given birth to a macrosomic child vs. 30.9 % in the peer group (p < 0.0001), family history of diabetes mellitus (28.0 % vs. 11.3 % in the peer group, p = 0.006), preeclampsia in 8.8 % vs. 2.7 % in the peer group (p = 0.002), cervical insufficiency in 2.6 % vs. 0.4 % in the peer group (p = 0.02). After delivery HbA1c was elevated in 38.6 % of the women having born macrosomic infant (mean HbA1c: 5.0 % +/- 0.5). Infant data: neonatal jaundice 16.7 % vs. 4.5 % in the peer group, p < 0.0001. There were no statistically significant differences concerning perinatal condition and malformations. Neonatal hypoglycaemia occurred in 9.6 % of the macrosomic infants. Cord blood insulin levels were significantly elevated in comparison to the peer group of mothers without metabolic disorders and having born eutroph infants (8.4 mU/l [3.0 - 100.0] vs. 5.3 mU/l [3.0 - 30.7], p = 0.01). 11.4 % of all macrosomic infants had cord blood insulin levels above the normal range. CONCLUSION: More than one third of the mothers having born one or more macrosomic infants had an impairment of glucose metabolism immediately after birth. The elevated prevalence of preeclampsia in this group confirms the relationship of hypertension and impaired glucose metabolism during pregnancy. The detection of hyperinsulinaemia, postnatal hypoglycaemia, elevated prevalence of neonatal jaundice with need of further therapy and diabetic fetopathy in macrosomic infants of mothers, whose metabolism was not monitored during pregnancy, pinpoint the need for a diagnostic screening for GDM.

Adolescent↗