MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF PERSONAL PROBLEMS IN OLDER ADOLESCENTS VIA SCHEMATIC MAPS AND PEER FEEDBACK

The purpose of the present study was to provide a basis for enhancing personal development in older adolescents by examining the usefulness of two information-processing tools in solving personal problems: sche matic maps and peer feedback. Ninety-five college students were assign ed to either a schematic map group or an essay group, and further subd ivided into groups that worked alone or with a vicarious partner. Asse ssment consisted of analyzing and generating alternatives to a scenari o involving a college student with a drinking problem. Results indicat ed that alternative generation, an important step in the problem-solvi ng process, is susceptible to experimental manipulation. Schematic map s facilitate the generation of wider-ranging, viable, synergistic alte rnatives to an uncomfortable situation. Maps help illustrate the compl ex systems within which problems occur and how patterns of behavior ar e maintained through reinforcement. Peer feedback may provide informat ion about strategies for the development of additional options.