Peer-mentored preparedness (PM-Prep): a new disaster preparedness program for adults living independently in the community.

Wehman et al. (2014) tested a new class called PM-Prep. It teaches adults how to get ready for earthquakes.

Half the adults learned with peer mentors. The other half waited. Researchers then counted who had supplies and knew the facts.

The peer-mentor group bought 19 percent more supplies. They also scored 8 percent higher on a quiz.

Both gains are medium-sized and beat the wait-list group.

Yu et al. (2024) ran a similar peer-mentor model with Latina moms. They cut depression scores by a medium margin. The pattern shows peer mentors work across very different goals.

Gantman et al. (2012) and Boudreau et al. (2015) used the same BST steps to teach social skills to autistic adults. They also saw medium gains. PM-Prep swaps the topic from friends to disaster kits and still wins.

Lee et al. (2022) gave autistic young adults a 10-week BST course on job talk. Knowledge went up, just like in PM-Prep. Together the trio says BST plus mentors lifts many life skills.

If you run adult groups, add a peer who has already mastered the skill. Let that person model, rehearse, and give feedback. You will save staff hours and see real-world gains, whether the goal is earthquake kits, job interviews, or calmer moms.