Arnold P. Goldstein

This is the fifth and final article in a series on EQUIP, a multicomponent psychoeducational program that teaches youth who have been antisocial to think and act responsibly. The program equips youth for effective peer helping by integrating Positive Peer Culture methodology with training in moral development, anger management, social skills, and the correction of cognitive distortions. Previous articles have presented the background, principles, and procedures of the program. This concluding article discusses systematic and observational data that document the program's effectiveness. The program is effective mainly because the youth are involved in prosocial behavior and learn to identify and correct the antisocial values and cognitive distortions that lead to irresponsible behavior. Once EQUIP is adapted or expanded for a particular setting, it should be accurately implemented, faithfully maintained, and rigorously evaluated.