Using positive peer reporting to improve the social interactions and acceptance of socially isolated adolescents in residential care: A systematic replication.

Bowers, F. E., Woods, D. W., Carlyon, W. D., & Friman, P. C. (2000). Using positive peer reporting to improve the social interactions and acceptance of socially isolated adolescents in residential care: A systematic replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 239-242.

We studied how rewarding youth in residential care for publicly reporting positive social behavior influenced the social interactions and acceptance of their most socially isolated peers. Results showed that the intervention resulted in substantial improvements in social interactions by the previously isolated peers. Peer acceptance ratings also improved for 2 of the target youths.

DESCRIPTORS: social isolation, social interactions, residential treatment centers, peers, peer mediation