A critical review of McGuire's Inoculation Theory, its research base and current health behavior applications in health education research is presented. Foci include research efforts in the areas of smoking, alcohol, and diabetes management. The theory and its utilization in future resistance-to-persuasion interventions in health education is exam ined.

Perceptions adolescents form of peers in relation to modeled health behaviors were examined. Five hundred ten adolescents, ages 12-15, from eight midwest schools were shown a slide of a male or female adolescent displaying a health behavior artifact (apple, tennis racket, cigarette, beer can), or without an artifact and asked to rate the model on 16 characteristics using a semantic differential scale. Data were factor analyzed using principle components analysis and a 2x2x5 MANOVA. Results indicated that models appeared less mature when holding a beer can or cigarette. In addition, the female model was rated more popular than the male in the control and beer can depictions. The influence of modeled behaviors on traits adolescents want to develop must be understood to present effective health education programs. Educational efforts should include consideration of the perceptions adolescents hold of their peers' health behaviors.