Reviews issues relevant to the use of humor in children's therapy. Discusses applications in the following contexts: (1) psychodynamic psychotherapy; (2) behavioral treatments of phobias; (3) family therapy; and (4) purposeful use of games and stories. (FMW)

The review of the literature on handwriting instruction with learning disabled students found that a direct teaching approach is generally the most effective, that most process training programs lack empirical support, and that behavioral and cognitive modification techniques are empirically sound and effective. (Author/DB)

This article reviews the psychoeducational, behavioral, and ecological models underlying educational services to students with behavior disorders. Models are compared for their explanatory nature, implications for intervention, and how they address the scientific approach to behavior disorders. (DB)

A review of the January 1993 issue of the "Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior" concludes that behavioral interventions produce collateral effects, but predicting those effects in applied work is complicated because of verbal and instructional influences and because of interactions among reinforcer types. (JDD)

Describes cognitive-behavioral approach to family therapy for suicidal people. Reviews relationship between family interactions and suicide. Highlights general strategies for treating suicidal family members. Focuses on adolescents and parents. Includes clinical examples. Suggests family influence on members' emotional and social adjustment is…

A review of 158 applied behavior analysis studies with children as subjects, published in the "Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis" between 1980 and 1990, found that (1) 16% measured the accuracy of independent variable implementation, and (2) two-thirds did not operationally define components of the independent variable. Specific recommendations…

Presents a historical overview of the pragmatic and multidisciplinary field of child psychopathology, its origins, evolving trends, and future directions as a supplement to the 1998 edition of Ollendick and Hersen's "Handbook of Child Psychopathology." Follows with a detailed review and evaluation of the handbook, with general…

Identifies theories underlying major types of cognitive programs and describes limitations of approaches that seek to change the way children think and behave. Focuses on current practices in cognitive therapy, future directions in cognitive therapy, the nature of performance deficits, and integrating cognitive and behavioral techniques. (RJM)

Recent experiments are reviewed in three areas of research concerning reinforcement schedules: (1) behavioral history effects on schedule performance; (2) the role of instructions in schedule performance of humans; and (3) dynamic schedules of reinforcement. The paper concludes by identifying some general issues concerning reinforcement schedules…

Social phobia can be conceptualized from a social work perspective as an extreme shyness that can be overcome with cognitive learning and behavioral rehearsal. This article reviews the biopsychosocial causes of social phobia and presents a summary of cognitive and behavioral interventions with empirically demonstrated effectiveness. (Author)

Takes a transtheoretical approach using ideas from cognitive behavioral, existential, Gestalt, psychodynamic, and multicultural therapies to describe both new and established strategies for relationships building with defiant youth. Arranges strategies in three categories: reaching, accepting, and relating. Suggestions for counselors when working…

This article reviews basic literature on behavioral pharmacology and integrates these findings with existing applied research regarding psychotropic medication. Suggestions are provided for improving research practices, increasing the diversity of people in decision-making regarding medication use, and developing consumer-friendly strategies for…

The authors review the literature on the 2 main models of the placebo effect: expectancy theory and classical conditioning. A path is suggested to dissolving the theoretical impasse that has long plagued this issue. The key is to make a clear distinction between 2 questions: What factors shape placebo effects? and What learning mediates the…

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychological disturbances in the industrialized world. Current behavioral therapy procedures for these disorders are somewhat effective, but their efficacy could be substantially improved. Because these procedures are largely based on the process of extinction, manipulations that enhance extinction may…

Objective: This literature review describes evaluation and treatment of minority youth with ADHD. Method: A search of databases for reports of ADHD in minority children was conducted. Results: Interpretation of behavior varies among parents, as does their trust in health care providers and school personnel. Parents desire to avoid stigmatization…