Positive Peer Culture

by Harry H. Vorrath (Editor), Larry K. Brendtro (Editor)

This revision of an important and path-breaking work holds to its central argument that troubled young people can develop self-worth, significance, dignity, and responsibility only through commitment to the positive values of helping and caring for others. The authors contend that the young people who populate our nations schools are in desperate need of an antidote to the narcissism, malaise, and antisocial lifestyles that have become so prevalent, and that this book seeks to provide a way of meeting their increasing cry to be used in some demanding cause. As was noted by Richard P. Barth of the University of North Carolina upon the publication of the first edition, Positive Peer Culture is a significant contribution to the field.

Genres: Education, Psychology, Nonfiction

198 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1974

Reviews

[Althea Cathwulf · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I ever see this book out there in the world I will burn it. PPC is used in "therapeutic boarding schools," aka WWASP Institutes that are part of the Troubled Teen Industry. I lived in an institution for one year, my crimes being that I had an older boyfriend and was defiant to my abusive mother. These places exist so that parents can send their children away as opposed to getting them therapy. Every single child I was there with was a victim of sexual, physical, psychological and/or emotional abuse. Troubled Teen institutes prey on vulnerable, desperate parents. They employ "caretakers" who not only goobersnatch children, but have no education or experience in dealing with children suffering from the effects of trauma. This book was shoved down our throats. We were forced to give advice to other children for serious issues like drug abuse....as if traumatized children should give other traumatized children advice on anything? I was known as the wise one, the intellectual, and I gave terrible racist advice on the daily - because I was a child. My go-to was to tell them to be grateful because they have food and limbs unlike children in Africa. Disgusting. It forced peers to turn on each other out of compliance and fear. You know what this book taught me? To trust no one. This book is outdated, incorrect and harmful, especially as it is used in the brainwashing of already vulnerable children as opposed to the true healing that they desperately need. Sincerely, a survivor.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a MUST READ for anyone working with youth in corrections, residential facilities, or high risk youth in alternative high schools or in other behavior intervention programs. This book summarizes the concepts and methods of a positive peer culture (PPC) program that stops pretending that adults or other authority have any chance of competing with a youth's peers regarding pressure, guidance, etc. Adult mentors, rather than being the authoritarian, traditional authority figures instead act as guides for youth providing their own positive guidance. Imagine that group of hard core boys, budding gangsters who are very defiant toward authority, taking that attitude and energy, and instead of it being used to undermine traditional authority and reinforce negative behaviors, it was redirected to provide valid heroic attitude and energy and reinforce positive behaviors (all with just guidance from adult authority figures), and you'll be imagining exactly what's happening at many correctional, residential, and academic facilities all around the United States. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone working with high risk youth, middle school and high school counselors, social workers, probation officers, therapists working with court committed youth, and anyone interested in youth psychology and behavior, especially high risk young men.

[Carey Lamprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the foundation of many years of work in my life. I cannot understate the importance of this theory in community, clinical or interpersonal healing methodology. I am so dearly indebted to these authors for this book and encourage anyone who deals with group therapy techniques, peer counseling or group transformation, especially with folks who were traumatized as children to check this out.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

cool book, and i've been to a teen correctional center where they use the concepts of this book plus other great methods. they truly help a lot of teens overcome their problematic behavior, actually i should say their problematic thinking...