Effects of a Peer Engagement Program on Socially Withdrawn Children with a History of Maltreatment

The Experience of Peer Mentoring in Grades 4, 5, and 6 Students From the Heart Healthy Kids Program

“…Despite the known influence of peers on physical activity, there are very few intervention studies exploring how this impact can be controlled for health benefit, which suggests a role for peer mentoring. Peer mentoring has been frequently studied to improve psychosocial health of children (Anderson et al, 2009;King, Vidourek, Davis, & McClellan, 2002;Matthews, Fawcett, & Sheldon, 2009).…”

“…Children who have been targeted with peer mentoring interventions are most often those experiencing low social interaction, a history of maltreatment, low self-esteem, academic difficulty, depression or other mental health issues King, Vidourek, Davis, & McClellan, 2002;Matthews, Fawcett, & Sheldon, 2009). Peer mentoring interventions have also targeted children and youth labelled "at-risk", from low socioeconomic status, or those engaging in risky health behaviours (Hurd & Zimmerman, 2010;Keating, Tomishima, Foster, & Alessandri, 2002;King et al, 2002;Moody, Childs, & Sepples, 2003).…”

“…As a result of the groups that child and youth peer mentoring interventions have targeted, the interventions used have varied. Interventions have involved the mentors and mentees playing together, building relationships with one another, and engaging in recreational activities Fair, Vandermaas-Peeler, Beaudry, & Dew, 2005;King et al, 2002;Matthews et al, 2009). Peer mentoring interventions with children have also focused on enhancement of self-esteem and goal setting skills (King et al, 2002).…”

“…Interventions involving peer mentoring of youth to improve psychosocial or mental health have varying results. Many studies have concluded that mentoring was beneficial in improving social skills, peer bonding, and relationships (Akrimi et al, 2008;Cheng et al, 2008;Fair et al, 2005;Matthews et al, 2009;Moody et al, 2003;Pini, 2009). Other studies have concluded that peer mentoring was beneficial in improving school and family connectedness (King et al, 2002;Moody et al, 2003).…”

“…This has been indicated in a variety of studies, in both the adult and child literature, and through quantitative and qualitative work. Peer mentoring has previously been found to benefit relationship building and social support, promote less aggressive behaviours, improve school and family connectedness, and increase social engagement and sense of belonging (Fair, Vandermaas-Peeler, Beaudry, & Dew, 2005;Hamrin et al, 2006;Heirdsfield et al, 2008;Hektner, August, & Realmuto, 2003;King, Vidourek, Davis, & McClellan, 2002;Matthews, Fawcett, & Sheldon, 2009;Murphy, Cupples, Percy, Halliday, & Stewart, 2008;Struchen et al, 2011). The literature supporting this theme indicates that many of the previously found benefits of peer mentoring hold true and can be observed in the specific environment of a childhood physical activity and peer mentoring program.…”