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 use of operant procedures was extended to decrease immediate echolalia and increase appropriate responding to questions of a 21-year-old autistic man. Multiple baseline designs demonstrated that echolalia was rapidly replaced with correct stimulus-specific responses. A variety of generalized improvements were observed in verbal responses to…

The literature review looks at self-injurious behaviors in handicapped students in terms of characteristics, prevalence, etiology (biological, psychological, and as learned behavior), and management including extinction, positive punishment, negative punishment, and reinforcement of other behaviors. Problems in areas of management, administration,…

Reports on an experiment designed to monitor the effects of behavioral modification upon the frequency of positive self-referent verbal statements and overt behaviors considered to be related to global self-esteem among 14 maladjusted boys aged 10 to 12. Results showed significant gains for the experimental group which received modelling,…

Describes a cognitive-behavioral model for coping with stress that counselors can use as the basis for family assessment and personalized intervention. Discusses the model, assessment procedures, and appropriate counseling strategies. Examines translation of the model into clinical practice with families of handicapped young children. (Author/ABB)

Four young mothers with one-year-old infants were successfully taught to reduce their children's potential for injury in the home through interventions which included increasing positive interactions with the infant, child-proofing the home, using playpen time-out for potentially dangerous behaviors, and giving positive attention for safe…

The management of behavior disorders in brain injured persons in a day rehabilitation setting is discussed including the role of the family and methods of behavior change such as modeling and shaping. Four cases demonstrating effective use of behavioral approaches are offered. (DB)

Compared obese female binge and nonbinge eaters on mood, diet behavior, and responses to standard and modified behavioral weight control programs, the latter emphasizing meal regularity, intake of complex carbohydrates, and activity. Binge eaters reported significantly more depressive symptomatology, psychological distress and maladaptive diet…

Examined impact, on couples planning marriage, of a cognitive-behavioral marital distress prevention program emphasizing communication and problem-solving skills, clarifying and sharing expectations, and sensual/sexual enhancement. Compared to controls, participants showed higher levels of relationship quality at the 18-month and three-year…

Specified within the role of school psychologists is provision of liaison services between education and outside agencies, including medical services. This article provides an examination of information available and serves school psychologists in their role as liaison between the schools and the medical community. (Author/LMO)

Describes the increasing prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in many industrialized societies, and their association with significant morbidity and mortality. Discusses the genetic risks for the development of anorexia nervosa, and treatment strategies. Of these, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, particularly those incorporating…

Summarizes recent developments in assessment and treatment of obesity. Reviews studies on genetics and weight cycling, which demonstrate the heterogeneous etiology of obesity and help explain difficulty in losing weight or maintaining weight loss. Describes the newer treatment programs which emphasize the development of exercise behaviors,…

Used a meta-analysis to integrate the research literature on the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, such as clomipramine, and behavior therapy have produced appreciable changes in obsessive-compulsive and depressive symptoms. The effects of tricyclic medication and exposure therapies have not differed significantly, but…

Discusses ways of dealing with the learned helplessness common in clinically depressed children undergoing foster care. Recommends social care treatment, which is inherent in daily living, and is guided by trained foster parents and caretakers. (SKC)

Three severely mentally retarded students (ages 6-7) were taught to request items or events within four interrupted behavior chain contexts. Results demonstrated that the communicative function and response form acquired within one behavior chain context generalized without further instruction to at least two chains in which training had not yet…