This study examined the relationship between sex role stereotypes of women and eighth graders' beliefs in rape myths. Surveys indicated that both sexes accepted some rape myths and sex role stereotyping of women. There was an association between belief in rape myths and stereotyping. More boys than girls accepted rape myths. (SM)

Examined student recruitment into an alcohol prevention program within neighborhood and magnet inner-city middle schools, noting student retention through one-month posttest and one-year followup. At one month, dropouts were more at risk for alcohol use initiation than nondropouts. At one year, dropouts were more likely to initiate alcohol and…

This study examined 376 African American adolescents' perceptions about the presence of guns in school and responses associated with the perceptions. One-quarter believed that other students brought guns to school. Those perceptions related positively to their experiences of fear at school and behaviors of school avoidance and bringing weapons for…

Fourteen middle- and high-school curricula published over 10 years were examined via a content analysis instrument. Little difference occurred in noun and pronoun usage within curriculum texts. Illustrations were scarce but showed greater female representation. There were differences in gender representations according to topic. (SM)

This study examined the effect of an innovative smoking prevention program, the "Giant Texas SmokeScream," on 512 middle school students' knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral intent about smoking. The data indicated that the program had no effect on students and provided a basis for discussion of "proinnovation bias." The…

Describes development of an intervention program for Hispanic parents to reduce violence by increased monitoring of their middle school students. Program development used a five-step guided intervention mapping process. Student surveys and parent interviews provided data to inform program design. Intervention mapping ensured involvement with the…

Examined middle school students' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding bicycle helmet use. Surveys indicated that most rode bicycles but did not use helmets, despite understanding their protective capabilities, because of poor peer support and helmet design. There was a positive relationship between helmet ownership and use. Most…

This study explored stages of alcohol acquisition and risk factors associated with stages based on the Multi-Component Motivational Stages model. Subjects were 254 urban middle schoolers (90% black, 62% female). Questionnaire results indicated that most students were in a precontemplation stage for alcohol use. Alcohol use was found to be the best…

For students progressing from sixth to eighth grade, an enhanced Alcohol Misuse Prevention Study curriculum emphasizing social pressure resistance training, peer support, and norm setting was developed. Schools participated as either curriculum or control groups. Pretesting and posttesting indicated the curriculum effectively increased students'…

This study compared dietary knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and patterns between Chinese American middle school students and their Chinese equivalents. Chinese students had less knowledge and less favorable attitudes but more positive behavioral factors affecting diet. They consumed less meat, dairy products, fat, sweets, and snacks and ate more…

This paper examines levels of participation in and correlates of AIDS-related risk behavior for adolescents in high risk communities. Seventh through ninth graders completed surveys regarding attitudes, behaviors, and resistance skills related to sexual intercourse and substance use. Grade, race, and sexual activity correlated with drug use.…

Describes the integration of math concepts (statistics) and health education (HIV and AIDS prevention) through cooperative learning. The technique, pilot-tested with gifted sixth graders, is recommended for seventh and eighth graders. The program helps students understand health-related statistics and develop personal values about social problems…

Describes a classroom-based social decision-making intervention to promote health and prevent problem behaviors. The approach unites social-cognitive, affective, behavioral, and social relationship areas with critical thinking skills important for academic achievement. Because middle school students are high risk for negative health outcomes, they…

Surveys of directors of Schools of the 21st Century, an educational model that provides integrated services to children and families, examined the availability of school health services. Results found that the services varied greatly in availability and comprehensiveness. Most schools provided basic preventive screenings, health education, and…

Addresses decision-making skills as one approach to increasing adolescents' ability to manage interpersonal violence. Data from Healthy Transitions, a pilot violence prevention study in Baltimore (Maryland), illustrate ways adolescents think about situations of social conflict and highlight the need to understand adolescents' viewpoints when…