Describes techniques for successful behavioral contracting with children, such as positively defining the desired behavior, establishing a behavioral count, and rewarding the behavior. Argues that, in addition to impeding inappropriate or off-task behavior, the contracting system also works with children who are shy and withdrawn. (RJM)

Reports on a study designed to establish whether strategies for social problem solving could be taught effectively to early adolescents using interactive video. Three methods were compared for effectiveness and differential effects: interactive video alone; teacher-led instruction with linear video; and teacher-led instruction with no video…

This study evaluated a positive peer-reporting procedure on positive and negative peer interactions, peer acceptance ratings, and the daily problem behaviors of a 15-year-old boy with multiple behavior and social problems. Results suggested the procedure was effective in all three domains. Data collection and use is discussed in terms of a Level…

This case study presents a theoretical analysis of implementing mode deactivation therapy (MDT) (Apsche & Ward Bailey, 2003) family therapy with a 13 year old Caucasian male. MDT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that combines the balance of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) (Linehan, 1993), the importance of perception from…

This article systematically reviews evidence for treatment of adolescent suicidality. In all, 10 empirical studies intended to reduce suicidal behaviors (e.g., suicide attempts) or suicidal ideation were reviewed. Each study's intervention was described and evaluated using two sets of independent criteria to assess the degree to which it was…

Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS) is intended to evaluate the short-term (12 weeks) and longer-term (36 weeks) effectiveness of four treatments for adolescents with DSM-IV major depressive disorder: clinical management with fluoxetine (FLX), cognitive-behavioral therapy…

School counselors often face large caseloads of students and cannot spend hours of time addressing each student's problems using traditional approaches. With this in mind, step-by-step instructions on how to use solution-focused brief counseling (SFBC) with elementary and secondary students is provided here. School counselors can utilize this…

Contemporary research on test anxiety shows that there are a number of sources of such anxiety: expectations of parents or teachers; association of grades with personal worth; fear of alienating parents, family, or friends; a feeling of lack of control over one's life. This paper discusses these sources of test anxiety, reviews some of the…

A training model for the use of rational behavior therapy (RBT) with emotionally disturbed adolescents in a school setting is presented, including a structured, didactic format consisting of five basic RBT training techniques. The training sessions, lasting 10 weeks each, are described. Also presented is the organization for the actual classroom…

This publication reviews a variety of empirically supported approaches to dealing with alcohol and drug problems in adolescents. Its focus is to provide motivationally based brief interventions that can be delivered in a variety of contexts address key developmental considerations and draw on the latest knowledge about the processes of addictive…

Describes the application of the Positive Peer Culture (PPC) treatment methodology to a population of troubled girls in a residential setting. The peer group utilizes naturally occurring problems as vehicles to teach girls about errors in behavior and thinking. Community activities are used to practice newly obtained prosocial behaviors. (LSR)

Project Adventure has seven programs for at-risk and adjudicated youth in Georgia, all using adventure counseling to help youth confront and manage their behaviors. Some programs are day programs for suspended students that involve family counseling and work. Others are residential programs for drug addicts, sexual offenders, and other adjudicated…

Reviews basic and evaluative research that has reported a relationship between sex education and pregnancy-related behaviors among adolescents. Examines findings from national probability surveys about the relationship between sex education and coital behavior and contraception. Review behavioral success among different types of primary…

Psychosocial smoking prevention studies have shown inconsistent results and theory-driven programs have been related to program success. This meta-analysis was used as a judgment tool for resolving these issues by estimating average program effects and investigating the relative efficacy of program types. The present study examined 65 adolescent…

A current empirical review of the treatment efficacy of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) for adolescent conduct problems (CP) was conducted. Conclusions based on this review suggest that MST can be a very powerful alternative to the usual legal and social service approaches (e.g. justice system, day treatment programs) used in the treatment of…