Procedures consisted of delivering an edible treat to Ss if they failed to exhibit specified problem behaviors during selected time frames. Results provided support for the efficacy of differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) in reducing management problems of mentally retarded children. (Author/SB)

Ascertained whether diagnostic feedback had a positive influence on treatment outcome. Snake-fearful females took psychological tests and were randomly assigned to treatment conditions. The greatest therapeutic improvement resulted for the enhanced-personality-feedback-with-treatment group as compared to the treatment-only group. The…

Assessed efficacy of behavior rehearsal procedures in assertion training. Results indicated that nonassertive subjects responded less assertively in behavior role play tests, and reported themselves more anxious than assertive subjects. The role-reversal group was least effective in modifying self-reports of assertion behaviors.…

Investigated the role of sensory reinforcement in motivation of rituals. Assessed the effect of sensory extinction for two children. Results showed light-switching rituals decreased when a certain sensory consequence was removed, then increased when that consequence was reintroduced. Different sensory consequences were functional for the children.…

Fifteen fifth graders in a dilemma discussion group which viewed films that sought answers to dilemmas and then discussed possible solutions were subsequently found to be more generous (altruistic) than their control group counterparts. Implications for educators, psychologists, and researchers are discussed. (NEC)

Women, self-referred for dental anxiety, were given four weeks of cue-controlled relaxation treatment. Nonorthogonal planned comparisons indicated significant decreases on dental anxiety, anxiety differential, and state anxiety scales, and systolic blood pressure. Participants reported that treatment was helpful in controlling anxiety when…

In comprehensive wieght loss program, overweight women exposed to instruction in self-standard setting and to situational management techniques lost more weight than those instructed only in situational management techniques. Findings illustrate facilitative effect of teaching individuals to set specific, objective, and realistic goals for eating…

A clock-light cuing device was successfully used in classrooms to control disruptive student behavior. Students were made aware of inappropriate behavior (which caused the light to be turned off) and of the time lost until the behavior was verbally identified and corrected. An accumulation of a specified amount of time in which the light was on…

The study evaluated the effects of a fine mist of water applied to the face contingent upon self-injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by profoundly retarded persons. Results indicated that the water mist procedure may be an effective alternative to traditional punishment techniques. (Author)

Suggestions are made for developing a code of ethics for health educators. (JD)

Data from a survey of students who participated in the School Health Curriculum Project (SHCP) are analyzed to determine the effect of the SHCP on student smoking behavior three years after participating in the program. (JD)

Analysis shows a significant decrease in parent's self-sufficiency index, indicating increased group dependence. Results suggest that family therapists may unwittingly foster group dependence and losses in confidence for parents receiving such family guidance. (Author)

Differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior was used in combination with a naturalistic restitution procedure utilizing victim participation to reduce the assaultive and interpersonal sexual behavior and genital self stimulation of an adolescent Down's syndrome male in a school setting. (Author/DLS)

Counselors must select strategies that maximize the probability of helping clients achieve personal goals. These stratefies may focus on changing how clients think, feel, or act (T-F-A). Effective counselors need to systematically use varying combinations of T-F-A strategies that will best facilitate changes in clients' behavior. (Author)

Describes behavioral exchange contracting in which an agreement binds a worker and a client or members of a family to change specific, measurable behaviors. Maintains that behavioral contracting offers a realistic, structured approach to resolving problems in a variety of situations. (CM)