Use of prosocial peers in intervention programs targeting youths with adjustment problems
This article reviews peer-assisted behavioral interventions. We focused on a) interventions that paired prosocial peers with behaviorally disordered youths between the ages of 6 to 12 years, b) studies that used a research design with random assignment of youths, classes or schools, and c) studies that promote affiliation to prosocial peers. Variables and interventions that moderate deviant peers' influence are discussed. The examination of the studies shows that interventions which included prosocial peers can be effective for youths with adjustment problems, although results are often modest. As importantly, empirical evidence suggests that in general, interventions do not have a negative influence on youths with adjustment problems or prosocial peers who participated in the programs. Some programs seem promising, in particular those that combine several intervention strategies. Future studies, which use rigorous research design, might be useful to advance knowledge on effective interventions for youths with adjustment problems.