Objective: To complement standardized measurement of symptoms, we developed and tested an efficient strategy for identifying (before treatment) and repeatedly assessing (during treatment) the problems identified as most important by caregivers and youths in psychotherapy. Method: A total of 178 outpatient-referred youths, 7-13 years of age, and…

One hundred and ninety-six youth, ages 7-16, who fulfilled "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (4th ed.) criteria for various specific phobias were randomized to a one-session exposure treatment, education support treatment, or a wait list control group. After the waiting period, the wait list participants were…

Gotlib and Asarnow suggest that learned helplessness may not adequately model clinical depression. They reply to Rohsenow's criticism that Gotlib and Asarnow's conclusions are unwarranted because the null hypothesis is not demonstrated by a single study and because adequate diagnostic criteria are not presented. (Author/BEF)

Problem-child families and normal families were classified using the dyadic parent-child interaction coding system (DPICS). The DPICS was found to be a reliable, clinically practical research instrument that correctly classified 94 percent of the families and predicted 64 percent of the variance in parent report of home behavior problems. (Author)

Replicated a study of boys with conduct problems using a parent-mediated treatment. Parents were trained to alter deviant behavior by following procedures derived from social learning theory. Child behavior showed significant change through termination as measured by parental reports. Follow-up data showed improvements were maintained through one…

Previous analyses of data from the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program indicate minimal differences in therapeutic outcome among three brief treatments for depression, but patients' pretreatment level of perfectionism had a significant negative relationship with residualized measures of…

Used statistical procedures that have become routine in other social sciences to analyze data from clinical service records. Despite absence of control groups, nonrandom assignment of clients to treatment conditions, and incomplete records, effective analyses of psychotherapeutic process were possible. Graphical methods for summarizing large data…

Questioned the statistical analyses of the Moleski and Tosi investigation of rational-emotive therapy versus systematic desensitization. Suggested means for lowering the error rate through a more efficient experimental design. Recommended a reanalysis of the original data. (LLL)

The first author criticizes the outcome measures used in a previous behavior modification study. The authors of the latter study answer the criticism by discussing the merits and disadvantages of outcome measures used in various behavior therapy studies. (SE)

Contains seven articles discussing the application of meta-analysis to research on outcomes in psychotherapy. Provides a framework for understanding meta-analytic procedures and outlines major techniques. Reviews criticisms of integration of psychotherapy outcome research. Evaluates comparative therapy outcome research and discusses limitations of…

The conclusion that learning disabled children have a deficit in perceptual organization is not accepted because of two major methodological problems. Dean refutes this criticism showing that learning disabled children have a perceptual organization deficit when compared with emotionally disturbed children. (Author/BEF)

Reviews several scales used to evaluate competency of psychotherapists. Discusses concerns about interrater reliability and predictive validity of scales. Considers competency a state-like variable, with therapists demonstrating higher competence when they skillfully treat patients across range of difficulty levels. Contends that development of…

Accurate, early screening is a prerequisite for indicated interventions intended to prevent development of externalizing disorders and delinquent behaviors. Using the Fast Track longitudinal sample of 396 children drawn from high-risk environments, the authors varied assumptions about base rates and examined effects of multiple-time-point and…

This study examines the relationship between three variables in the problem-solving approaches of emotionally disturbed children. The variables of locus of control, persistence behavior, and reflection-impulsivity were related to each other and to problem-solving approach. The varying nature of these relationships is discussed. (SJL)

Examined sexual abuse, physical abuse, and child neglect reports in New York state in 1985 to identify case factors that predict the substantiation of reports following an investigation by child protective services. Reports from professionals were substantiated at a significantly higher rate than reports from nonprofessionals because of…