After participating in a public speaking situation that allowed collection of self-report, physiological, and behavioral manifestations of anxiety, 67 subjects were randomly assigned to either desensitization, "T scope" therapy, or no treatment. Desensitization reduced public speaking anxiety in both contexts, whereas the placebo was effective…

The article describes the Behavior Management Level System (BMLS), a model program for emotionally disturbed adolescents combining a token economy approach with a hierarchial system of levels which provides an objective standard for graduation from the system. Points are accumulated as immediate reinforcers and traded for tangible or social…

Discusses a study to evaluate the impact of a training program in mainstreaming on student-teacher classroom management styles and mainstreamed pupil behavior. Reveals that mainstreamed pupils in control classrooms displayed significantly less appropriate learning behaviors than did their experimental classroom peers. (RAE)

Time-out as a method of managing pupil behavior is explained. A definition and historical and philosophical perspectives are offered. The method has been used in Victoria (Australia), the United States, and Great Britain. Also considered are legal responsibilities, a time-out continuum, implementation, positive aspects of time out, and abuse and…

A device used to prevent drivers from falling asleep dramatically reduced stereotypic rocking in a 21-year-old blind student in a residential school. His rocking had been a chief obstacle to employment and acceptance into mainstream society. Follow-up data indicated maintenance of the low level of rocking and positive social changes. (Author/VW)

The effects of a combined neuromotor/behavioral approach using a microcomputer mediated teaching system on the acquisition of basic motor skills by two young children (17- and 24-months-old) with severe and multiple disabilities were examined. Increased frequency and duration of target behaviors in both training and generalizing settings were…

The article discusses areas of behavioral gerontology that would profit from additional research, such as self-management, community caregiver training, and geriatric behavioral pharmacology. Considerations for adapting behavioral procedures for the elderly are discussed, and suggestions for expanding the role of behavior analysis in geriatric…

Two male stroke victims (ages 63 and 67) whose verbal disorders impaired social interactions and suggested the need for nursing home placement were treated by teaching spouses to reinforce positive and ignore undesired verbal responses. Problem behaviors were reduced sufficiently to permit continued home care, and alternative positive behaviors…

Use of primarily reinforcement-based behavioral procedures decreased aggressive pinching in a 10-year-old severely retarded female to near-zero levels. Procedures included differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), DRO plus timeout, DRO plus response prevention, and differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior. Results were…

Reviews recent studies of change in gender-stereotyped behavior or attitudes in children. Suggests factors in susceptibility to counterstereotyping attempts including: (1) developmental level, (2) relationship between sex role cognitions and behavior, (3) degree of consistency in gender-stereotyped behavior, and (4) the role of individual…

Demonstrates how high or low levels of adult structuring of activities during free play activities can induce sex-typed social behavior by preschool children. Examines the effects of naturally occurring variations in children's play on sex-typed social behaviors. (SA)

Inappropriate mealtime behaviors of a blind, mentally retarded, behaviorally disordered 10-year-old were modified via behavior therapy techniques, including audiotape of favorite stories turned off during inappropriate behavior and praise (plus access to food) for appropriate napkin and utensil use, once desired sitting posture had been…

Describes the effects of a home-based reinforcement program (designed to modify classroom behaviors) on the academic performance and behavior of three fourth-grade boys. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of home-based reinforcement intervention in improving the academic performance of underachieving children while simultaneously reducing…

Forty-eight teachers and 48 parents evaluated the effectiveness and acceptability of five behavioral procedures for reducing disruptive child behavior. Teachers rated all strategies more highly than parents. Reinforcement and isolation and contractual agreement were rated highest. Procedures were rated as more acceptable for 5-year-olds than for…

To help prevent drug and alcohol abuse the schools should develop a comprehensive health education program that deals with human feelings, human experience, and factual knowledge. (JD)