The Effect of a School-Based Helper Program on Adolescent Self-Image, Attitudes, and Behavior

This study examined the effects of participation in a school-based helper program on adolescents' self-image, attitudes, and behaviors. Seventh-grade students at the junior high where the program was implemented were divided into 2 functional groups, one of which was required to engage in volunteer helping activities for the remainder of the school year, whereas the other group engaged in no such service. It was hypothesized that Helper Program participants (n = 85) relative to nonparticipants (n = 86), and especially boys, would show improvement in 4 domains: self-image, commitment to school and community, problem behavior, and commitment to altruism. The results were gender specific: Participating boys showed positive changes in self-esteem, depressive affect, involvement, and problem behavior relative to other groups. The findings indicate that, with program modifications to augment potential benefits to girls, helper programs might become an important mechanism in producing positive life changes for adolescents.