Peer Attitudes Research Articles

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use: The Mediating Role of Perceptions of Harm and Peer and Parental Attitudes

Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are related to the development of a range of mental health problems and risky behaviors. Generally, adolescents who experienced a greater number of ACEs have been found to be at increased risk of substance use behaviors. This study investigated the association between ACEs and substance use (i.e., cigarette smoking, binge drinking, and cannabis use) as mediated by perceptions of harm and perceived peer and parental attitudes towards each substance.Methods: A survey was completed by 6,304 students aged 12 to 18 (M = 14.75, SD = 1.76) in Wood County, Ohio, assessing ACEs, substance use behaviors, perceptions of harm and perceived peer and parental attitudes towards each substance. Mediation models controlling for age and gender were conducted for each substance use behavior including perceptions of harm and perceived peer and parental attitudes specific to each substance.Results: Controlling for age and gender, perceptions of harm and peer attitudes towards binge drinking partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and past month binge-drinking. For past month cannabis and cigarette smoking, peer and parental attitudes, but not perceptions of harm, partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and past month engagement in these substances.Implications: Greater perceptions of harm and negative attitudes by parents or peers may be protective against substance use behaviors among youth that have experienced ACEs. Early interventions focusing on increasing perceptions of harm along with promoting negative parental and peer attitudes towards substance use could decrease rates of use among those who experienced ACEs.

Critical thinking and non-formal Islamic education: Perspectives from young Muslims in the Netherlands

Critical thinking is a highly valued skill in the twenty-first century, and its incorporation into formal school curricula as a core skill is nearly ubiquitous globally. It is considered imperative for educational quality, employability, competitiveness, and for promoting democratisation and social integration. While schools are tasked to promote critical thinking, non-formal Islamic education (NFIE) provided by mosques or by private organisations or tutors is often criticized for its emphasis on rote learning and memorisation, and for fostering an uncritical acceptance of authority. Based on interviews with 27 young adult alumni from four different Muslim communities in the Netherlands, this study seeks to explore the pedagogy of NFIE, with a focus on critical thinking. The accounts of young adults revealed that an emphasis on stimulating critical thinking was largely absent, and there were limited opportunities for interactions, questions, debating or challenging the authority of religious educators or Islamic texts. The traditional pedagogical approach, discouraging attitudes of educators and peers, lack of language proficiency, the young age of learners, and a perceived lack of need for critical deliberations were identified as key challenges. Young adults called for reforming the pedagogy of NFIE to allow for more reflexive, inquisitive and dialogical learning. Some argued that lack of critical deliberation would lead to weakness in the belief structures and faith of new generation Muslims in Europe, resulting in a sense of confusion and disorientation, and limited embodiment of Islamic principles.

Impact of the Paralympic Games on the Beliefs of Children with Physical Disabilities Engaging in Sports and Physical Activities: A Chinese Perspective.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the beliefs of Chinese children with physical disabilities engaging in sports and physical activity (PA), and the impact of the Paralympic Games on these beliefs. Five Chinese children with physical disabilities (female = 2, male = 3) were recruited for participating in the workshops of the Paralympic Games and PA, and received individual semi-structured interviews before and after the workshop implementations. Interview transcripts were analysed and presented as descriptive summaries. Three themes emerged based on the analysis of the participants’ interview data: (1) shocked, knowledgeable, and useful; (2) willingness to try, and (3) hope to obtain support. Results indicated that children with physical disabilities in this study acknowledged the positive outcomes of participating in the workshops of the Paralympic Games on the sports and PA engagement attitude change. However, children with disabilities also expressed that they need more related knowledge and information. The results of the study revealed that impairment and contextual factors (i.e., lack of support from family and physical education teachers, unsafe environments, and negative attitudes of peers without disabilities) were barriers to sports and PA engagement among children with physical disabilities in this study.

Sexual Diversity: Peer and Family Rejection or Acceptance in Lesotho?

The emergence of “new” sexualities inflicted lots of confusions among Basotho. It is not surprising, therefore, that diverse attitudes towards these minority populations were also likely to emerge. Families and peers (or friends) also demonstrated diverse attitudes towards the minority population. This qualitative, evidence-based paper tapped into social constructivism to explore peer and family attitudes (rejection or acceptance) towards sexually diverse populations. Data for the study were collected from community dialogues of approximately 50 members. The study revealed peers and parental support as key to living positively as LGBTQI.

Including students with physical disabilities in physical education in Singapore: Perspectives of peers without disabilities

Perspectives of peers without disabilities are considered a significant determinant of successful integrated physical education. The purpose of this study was to explore students' perspectives of including students with physical disabilities in physical education in Singapore. Primary and secondary school students ( n = 219) provided their perspectives related to the inclusion of students with physical disabilities through an online survey platform. The quantitative results showed that 86.3% of the participants expressed a “yes” opinion toward having the perspective that peers with physical disabilities should be included, while 13.7% of them expressed either a “no” or “maybe” opinion related to peers with physical disabilities being included. Further, girls were more likely to respond “yes” than boys, and a larger proportion of secondary school students responded “yes” than primary school students. Content analysis was used to code students’ 277 open-ended perspectives for supporting their expressed opinions. The different perspectives were coded and subsequently grouped into 15 categories for supporting the “yes,” “no,” and “maybe” responses. Equality was the most commonly listed category for supporting a “yes” response. For supporting a “no” response, negative outcomes, such as bullying and injury, were most commonly reported. Finally, dependence and incompatibility were equally listed for justifying a “maybe” response. These findings highlight a variety of perspectives related to peer attitudes and shed light on the value of enhancing students’ perspectives toward the integration of peers with disabilities.

Perceived risk of harm from monthly cannabis use among US adolescents: National Survey on drug Use and Health, 2017.

There has been a steady increase in cannabis use among US adolescents over the past decade. Perceptions of risk, specifically the belief that cannabis use is not harmful, may contribute to this increased use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate parental, school, and peer influence as protective factors in perceiving there is risk of harm from monthly cannabis use. Using the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the study outcome was self-reported perceived risk of harm from monthly cannabis use amongst adolescents between ages 12 and 17. The exposures were parental monitoring and support, perception of school importance, extracurricular activity participation, peer attitudes towards cannabis use, and perception of peer cannabis use. Of 12,024 eligible adolescents, about 80% reported perceived risk of harm from monthly cannabis use. Multiple logistic regression models suggest the perception of risk of harm from monthly cannabis use was significantly associated with perception of peers using cannabis, perception of peers’ disapproval of cannabis use, perception of school importance, and participation in extracurricular activities. Adolescents who perceived that monthly cannabis use was risky had high parental monitoring, low perception of peer use, high perception of peers’ disapproval of cannabis use, high perception of school importance, and participated more in extracurricular activities. These findings suggest substance use prevention programs targeting adolescent attitudes and beliefs would benefit from leveraging peer influence, promoting extracurricular activities, and enhancing schoolwork to be more meaningful.

Examination of variables affecting peer attitudes towards children with disabilities: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The attitudes developed towards disabled children by their peers at an early age play an important role in shaping disabled children’s lives. By taking these cases into consideration, this study was conducted with the aim of ‘examining the variables affecting peer attitudes towards children with disabilities’. The study conducted as cross-sectional and descriptive type. The data were collected from schools attended by inclusive or special education students, using a child descriptive information form and the ‘Chedoke-McMaster Attitudes towards Children with Handicaps (CATCH)’ Scale. For the statistical analysis of the data, percentage, t-test and ANOVA test were performed using the SPSS 23 software programme. Among the children included in the scope of the study, attitude scores were found to be significantly higher in girls, older children, children in interaction with a disabled individual or friend, and children studying at a school in an area with a low socioeconomic level. Economic level did not make a significant difference to attitudes. Considering that peer attitudes towards disabled children were affected by the gender, age, interaction with the disabled, and socioeconomic variables, important results were obtained for developing positive attitudes.

مروری بر آزمون های ارزیابی نگرش افراد غیر لکنتی

Purpose: Stuttering is a multidimensional disorder, in which, should be paid attention to speech-related attitudinal reactions alongside speech disfluency. These perceived negative attitudes from the environment play an important role in the formation and persistence of speech disorders, which cause problems in generalizing and stabilizing the treatment of people with stuttering. Therefore, public awareness of these attitudes towards stuttering and trying to change the communication environment greatly help to reduce the severity of stuttering and improve affected people's quality of life. The purpose of this study is to primarily introduce the tests for assessment of the attitude towards stuttering in non-stuttering people. Methods: For complete access to the tools reviewing the non-stuttering people's attitude towards in non-stuttering people, Google, SID, Iranmedex, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and related theses were searched. Results: Twelve tests were found on assessment of the non-stuttering individual's attitude towards stuttering. These tests were related to assessing the attitudes of parents, teachers, peers and therapists. Significant points from these tests were also explained. Conclusion: According to the results of the present article, the listener's attitude can have a great impact on the perception of the stuttering person, the formation of negative attitudes and the factors in the persistence or increase of stuttering intensity. Therefore, increasing public awareness and changing attitudes, and especially greater attention paid by therapists to these issues in the treatment process, need more attention.

Cannabis use, self-perceived risk, perceived peer approval and parental attitudes among youth at clinical high-risk for psychosis.

Cannabis use is associated with greater likelihood of psychosis. The relationship between attitudes about cannabis and use has not been examined in youth at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis. Additionally, the shifting legal landscape can provide a valuable context for evaluating use and related attitudes. This study included 174 participants (44 CHR, 43 healthy control [HC] youth-parent dyads). Youth completed measures of self-reported cannabis use confirmed with a urinalysis, self-perceived risk and perceived peer attitudes. Parents reported attitudes about youth use. Legalization occurred halfway during a 5-year study in Colorado, providing an opportunity to cross-sectionally examine its role in use and attitudes. Frequency of youth reporting cannabis use was significantly higher in CHR (69%) than control group (30%). Use in CHR group was associated with higher perceived peer approval (r=.57), increased parental permissiveness (r=.28) and lower self-perceived risk (r=-.26). Comparing samples participating pre and post-legalization, use remained stable within each group. Group differences in parental permissiveness shifted; trend toward decrease in permissiveness in CHR group (η2partial =.07) and a significant increase in HCs (η2partial =.16) were observed. Post-legalization, use in CHR group correlated with higher perceived peer approval (r=.64), lower self-perceived risk (r=-.51) and higher parental permissiveness (r=.35, trend). Taken together, results indicate a relationship between self and peer/parental attitudes about cannabis and use in youth at CHR for psychosis. These factors are important to consider within the legalization context given the changes in parental attitudes and a stronger association between use and attitudes in this group post-legalization.

The Impact of Social Behavior and Peers’ Attitudes Toward Students With Special Educational Needs on Self-Reported Peer Interactions

According to the literature, social participation (e.g., peer interactions) of students diagnosed with special educational needs (SEN) has to be focused upon as they are at a higher risk of being socially excluded compared to students without SEN. Research has pointed out that social participation of students with SEN is influenced by their own social behavior as well as the attitudes of peers with no SEN toward them. The present study assessed the impact of the social behavior of students diagnosed with SEN (n= 88; 48 boys and 40 girls) as well as that of the attitudes of their peers without SEN (n= 227; 139 boys and 153 girls) toward them on the social participation. Results indicated that students without SEN were less likely to interact with their classmates with SEN. Peer interactions of students with SEN were not significantly influenced by their own social behavior.

Exploration of Challenges Among Gifted and Talented Children

Most gifted students love to study, work hard to complete cognitive tasks, and wanted to have more difficult subjects for enhancing their intellectual capability. However, they are unable to do so in their regular classes even in their special gifted group. Some of the challenges faced by gifted and talented students are teachers’ stigma, negative peer attitudes, difficulty understanding others, problems related to perfectionism, as well as impatience and intolerance. Thus, there is a dire need to cater the social and emotional issues of these students. Counselors may be unaware and unable to respond to these concerns because they are not well-trained to counsel this unique population. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the characteristics of gifted and talented students, challenges that they face and the need for counseling approaches to address all these issues to unleash the learning and development of gifted students.

The Subtle Ostracism Faced by Women in Engineering: Psychological Effects of Learning in a Predominately Male Field

In engineering, there are many obstacles that women face ranging from underlying stereotypes to physical restrictions in certain environments. The deficit of women in University programs has created a hurdle for young women entering the field of engineering. The objective of this study was to identify the challenges experienced by female undergraduate and graduate students that contribute to the systemic issue of inequity. A total of 372 male and female students actively participated in a 21-question survey featuring both multiple-choice answers as well as open-ended questions. Three themes emerged relating to culture (built environment and attitudes), gender (stereotypes and lack of role models), and personal (sense of belonging and the imposter syndrome). It was found that the built environment created physical barriers, while the attitudes of male peers, teaching assistants, and professors led to negative experiences, limiting female student success. Comments made about gender disparities focused on stereotypes and the lack of role models, which were later determined to influence students’ sense of belonging and feelings of imposter syndrome. Over half of the female students who participated in the survey felt discouragement due to the lack of gender diversity that has further impacted their experiences and education. This research may not be reflective of the experience for all females in engineering but does reflect the challenges of those who came forward. Both equity and equality within engineering must be sought to make the predominately male environment more inclusive.

Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Perilaku Remaja Jalanan terhadap Kesehatan Reproduksi di Yayasan Pembina Asuhan Bunda (YPAB) Kota Batam

Masa remaja merupakan masa peralihan antara masa anak-anak dan masa dewasa, dimulai pada saat kematangan seksual yaitu antara usia 10-12 tahun sampai 20 tahun, menjelang dewasa muda, anak jalanan merupakan anak yang melewatkan atau memanfaatkan sebagian besar waktunya untuk melakukan kegiatan sehari-hari dijalanan termasuk dilingkungan pasar, pertokoan dan pusat-pusat keramaian lainnya (Kementerian Sosial, 2016).
 Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan perilaku remaja jalanan terhadap kesehatan reproduksi di Yayasan Pembina Asuhan Bunda (YPAB) Kota Batam tahun 2019.
 Rancangan penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan survei analitik dengan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Mei sampai September 2019 di YPAB tahun 2019. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 101 responden dengan jumlah sampel 101 responden, menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan instrumen kuisioner dan diisi oleh responden. Data dalam bentuk tabel dan tekstual analis mengunakan Chi-square.
 Hasil uji statistik diperoleh 28 responden (56,6%) berpengetahuan kurang, sikap negatif sebanyak 27 orang (54,0%), pengaruh teman sebaya sebanyak 34 orang ( 68,0%) dan pengaruh akses media sosial sebanyak 31 orang (62,0%). Ada hubungan yang signifikan antara pengetahuan, sikap teman sebaya dan akses media sosial dengan perilaku remaja jalanan terhadap kesehatan reproduksi di YPAB Kota Batam tahun 2019.

Application of Ayurvedic Principles in Prevention and Management of Behavioural Problems in Children

Introduction: Behavioral problems are commonly prevalent worldwide. It is important to diagnose and treat timely as if untreated, increase the risk of getting psychiatric illnesses. Present review is aimed at providing Ayurvedic guidelines in the form of Sadvritta (Code of conduct), Achar rasayan-AR (ethical principles) and few Ayurveda interventions corelating with recently developed interventions of Psychology which may prove helpful in prevention and management of behavioral problems in children. Material and Methods: This review is based on data collected from classical Ayurvedic literature, published research works in various journals and counseling experiences. Observations and Results: Behavioral problems are generally multi-factorial in origin and arise as a result of conflict between the children’s personality, attitudes of parents, teacher or peers. Counseling with family and adoption of Ayurveda principles can manage and prevent further progress of behavioral problems in children. Satvavjay Chikitsa-SC (non-drug psychotherapy), Achar Rasayana and Sadvritta, Yog are Ayurvedic ways to balance Satva (good qualities of mind), (Passionate, agitated), Tama (Laziness, lack of concentration) applicable in prevention of behavioral problems. Conclusion: Ayurvedic principles such as AR, Sadvritta and SC are best non-pharmacological modalities required for early detection and prevention of behavioral problems. Knowledge, education and proper expressions of code, conduct or etiquettes along with Ayurveda interventions such as use of Medhya (nervine tonic/nootropic) drugs, Panchkarma pre-procedures can prove to be a significant therapeutic way to combat behavioral disorders.

Trajectory of problematic internet use across the college years: The role of peer internet overuse behavior and peer attitude toward internet overuse

IntroductionCollege students are at high risk of problematic internet use (PIU). A great amount of research has focused on the PIU among college students. However, little is known about the change pattern of PIU across the college years. Moreover, how peer internet overuse behavior and peer attitude toward internet overuse work together to shape college students’ PIU trajectory, and whether such peer contagion effects are equal for all students remain unclear. The present study used latent growth curve model to examine these issues. MethodsA total of 2572 Chinese college students (Mage = 18.37, SD = 0.85; 65% girls) participated in the study. They completed questionnaires regarding demographics, peer internet overuse behavior, peer attitude toward internet overuse, and friendship satisfaction at Wave 1, and PIU at Waves 1–4. ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, the findings revealed that (a) PIU slightly increased before the second year of college and then declined rapidly; (b) both peer internet overuse behavior and peer attitude toward internet overuse were related to the PIU at baseline; however, only peer internet overuse behavior was associated with the change of PIU; and (c) the effect of peer internet overuse behavior on PIU change was moderated by friendship satisfaction and gender. ConclusionsThese findings emphasized the dynamic and context-sensitive nature of PIU and clarified how peer contagion unfolded with peer internet overuse behavior and peer attitude toward internet overuse. Theoretical implications and application of these findings are discussed.

A Conceptual Study on Prevention & Management of Behavioral Disorders in Children through Complimentary & Alternative Medicine

In India, behavioral problems are prevalent and estimated to the tune of 33.4%. Such a problem if untreated increases the risk of suffering children from various psychiatric illnesses. Around 6 million children are affected by Behavioral problems worldwide. There are few guidelines in Ayurveda which can prove beneficial in the prevention and management of behavioral problems. The present review is aimed at providing Ayurvedic guidelines in the form of Sadvritta (Code of conduct), Acharrasayan-AR (ethical principles) and few Ayurveda interventions correlating with recently developed interventions of Psychology which may prove helpful in prevention and management of behavioral problems in children. This review is based on data collected from classical Ayurvedic literature, published research works in various journals and counseling experiences. Observations and Results: Behavioral problems are generally multi-factorial in origin and arise as a result of conflict between the children's personality, attitudes of parents, teacher or peers. Counseling with family and adoption of Ayurveda principles can manage and prevent further progress of behavioral problems in children. Satvavjay Chikitsa-SC (non-drug psychotherapy), Achar-Rasayana and Sadvritta, Yog are Ayurvedic ways to balance Satva (good qualities of mind), (Passionate, agitated), Tama (Laziness, lack of concentration) applicable in the prevention of behavioral problems. Knowledge education and proper expressions of code, conduct or etiquettes along with Ayurveda interventions such as the use of Medhya (nervine tonic/nootropic) drugs, Panchkarma pre procedures can prove to be a significant therapeutic way to combat behavioral disorders. Ayurvedic principles such as AR, Sadvritta and SC are best non-pharmacological modalities required for early detection and prevention of behavioral problems.

Applying the Contact Theory in Inclusive Education: A Systematic Review on the Impact of Contact and Information on the Social Participation of Students With Disabilities

The social participation of students with disabilities in general education is lagging behind and negative peer attitudes are often mentioned as the main barrier. Contact Theory can serve as a rationale for interventions that aim to promote positive attitudes and thereby also the social participation of students with disabilities. This review aims to elucidate to what extent the intervention components contact and information are related to both the attitudes of typically developing peers and the social participation of students with disabilities. The results indicate that interventions combining contact and information are associated with more positive attitudes and one theme of social participation (i.e., interactions). It was, surprisingly, not possible to study the mediating role of peer attitudes as no studies addressed this. In sum, Contact Theory can be validated in primary inclusive education regarding typically developing students' attitudes, but only partially regarding the social participation of students with disabilities.

Preschool Children’s Attitudes Towards Their Peers with Special Needs

ABSTRACT This study explores children’s attitudes towards their peers with special needs (SN) at a preschool level. A total of 151 children were examined using the Acceptance Scale for Kindergarteners – Revised and social demographic questionnaires to collect information from parents and educators. The research included preschool children (5 years old) attending private preschools in a city of Portugal- Leiria-as well as their corresponding parents and educators. Further, 10 classrooms within preschools participated in the study, with a sample of 151 children, 149 parents, and 14 educators. Internal consistency was calculated, and the Cronbach’s α coefficient for the complete scale was .688. Results revealed that the average score associated with children’s attitudes was 18.78 (DP = 5.88). Children have more positive attitudes if they are in contact with peers with special needs regardless of the location (p < .05). Although children who have contact with peers with special needs in classroom have positive attitudes (p < .01) those who have contact in the preschool (outside classroom) have much more (p < .01). The results of this study provide insights into children’s attitudes and reveal that closer contact with children with special needs benefits peer attitudes.

Language choice in peer interactions and the role of peers in minority language maintenance

Abstract Drawing on the positioning theory and the conditions for language use, this article examines Vietnamese ethnic minority students’ language choice in interactions with their same-ethnicity and majority peers, focusing particularly on their communication motives underlying this choice. Findings suggest that in regulating their language alternation practices across peer groups in different contexts, the students shifted their participation status – from aligning (being alike) to disaligning (being distinct) – to (re)position themselves in relation to their peers. As their desires for alignment or disalignment were either supported or disrupted by their peers, peer attitudes played a critical role in providing opportunities and encouraging minority students’ willingness to use their L1 in school and ethnic community spaces. Implications are suggested for engaging peer support as a resource for maintaining or widening L1 use among young minority people in both of the domains.

Alcohol drinking among adolescents with native-Swedish and non-European immigrant background: the importance of parental attitudes and peer attitudes for acculturation

In this study, we examine differences in alcohol drinking between first- and second-generation non-European immigrant and native-Swedish adolescents. We also examine whether parental and peer attitudes toward alcohol are associated with the acculturation of drinking habits among adolescents with an immigrant background. The study is cross-sectional and based on a school survey conducted in 2016–2019 in eight municipalities in southern Sweden. The sample consists of 3743 adolescents in year 9 of compulsory education, aged 14–15 years, of which 538 (14.4%) had a non-European immigrant background. Non-European immigrant adolescents reported significantly lower levels of drinking than native-Swedish adolescents. Second-generation immigrants reported a higher level of consumption than first-generation immigrants, and among first-generation adolescents, drinking was more prevalent the longer the adolescents had resided in Sweden, which suggests acculturation of drinking habits. This acculturation is mainly related to changes in peer attitudes toward alcohol. Immigrant adolescents with a longer stay in Sweden reported having friends with more positive attitudes toward alcohol. Among first-generation immigrants, drinking was more common among boys than girls. These differences were primarily found among immigrant adolescents with a relatively short period of residence in Sweden, which suggests that acculturation occurs more quickly among boys than among girls.