This paper presents a review of relevant literature on treatment approaches for the modification of smoking behavior, followed by an outline of an approach developed by the author to decrease his own rate of cigarette smoking. Studies are reviewed which have used various treatment methods: use of electric shock, satiation and/or use of cigarette…

The efforts of smoking cessation programs have met with various degrees of success and fresh approaches to the problem are needed. An innovative technique that interrupts the psychogenic drives of smokers was employed to determine the effect of noxious subliminal suggestion on smoking attitudes and behavior. Adult smokers (N=60) were shown…

Most histories of psychology and psychiatry attribute the first group psychotherapy to Joseph Pratt's 1905 class for tuberculosis patients. Pratt's actual treatment procedures are examined. They are shown to have consisted primarily of operant and social-learning techniques, aimed at increasing patient compliance with a demanding therapeutic…

Research related to the importance of involving parents directly in treatment programming for childhood obesity has provided inconclusive results because of methodological problems and relatively short treatment duration periods. The effectiveness of an extended behavioral weight control program was evaluated during a 10-week treatment phase and…

The effectiveness of four operant procedures (differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, omission training, overcorrection, and reinforcement withdrawal) in changing self injurious behavior (SIB) of 16 severely handicapped students was examined. Analysis of correlations between reduction in SIB and subject characteristics, adaptive…

A variety of psychotherapeutic methodologies has proliferated as a consequence of rapid growth in the need for mental health services. The effectiveness of many of these methods is questionable. Although each psychotherapeutic technique advances claims for its continued use based on clinical effectiveness, few offer adequate scientific evidence to…

This paper contrasts the behavioral and non-behavioral approaches to counseling, particularly the interview process. A brief discussion of basic theoretical assumptions is included. In behavioral counseling, the relationship can best be characterized as collaboration, and unlike non-behaviorists, the behavioral counselor can assist his client to…

This paper demonstrates how the proper use of the relaxation process may: (1) make the counseling experience more fruitful and pleasant; (2) facilitate the maximum functioning of the client; (3) reduce physical and emotional tensions; (4) create a physical condition more conducive to attacking other problems; (5) clear the mind for clear and…

The paper presents a model of counseling outcomes which distinguishes between within-interview change and extra-interview change in order to identify and study the counselor behaviors which constitute strategies or techniques. The author feels that research must: 1.) assess the relative productivity of these behaviors within-strategies in terms of…

A behavioral setting termed "free time" was identified in the day room of an institution for the retarded. The behavioral mapping technique was used to record behavior and spatial use within this setting. During treatment patients engaged in active and socially involved behavior. (Author)

Repeated measures of the frequency of paper towel litter, unflushed toilets, dirty sinks, and running water faucets were used to evaluate effectiveness of contingent teacher praise for appropriate bathroom use by preschool children. Contingent praise for appropriate bathroom behaviors resulted in markedly decreased frequencies of four target…

Investigates views held by senior state department of education administrators responsible for school psychology services relevant to acceptance or rejection of behavior modification procedures by educators, parents, and school psychologists. Significant results support the relationship between administrators' preferences and perceived functioning…

The study compared the effects of two forms of intervention on a three-year-old autistic female. Marked improvement in tantrum control, expressive language, and reduced obsessional behaviors were associated with the use of behavior management techniques, whereas developmental stimulation through play and positive adult contact produced no…

The thesis of this model is that the delinquent and predelinquent adolescent often either makes unfortunate life decisions or fails to make them at all, because: 1) he lacks specific data about himself and his settings, and 2) because he lacks critical decision-making skills. (Author)

Practical and comprehensive, this book focuses on the nuts and bolts of designing positive behavior support plans for students with such disabilities as mental retardation, autism, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders. Strategies are provided for addressing individual behavioral problems at all levels of severity. Filled with…