The field of behavior analysis has not learned how to develop interventions that rely on positive reinforcement for all participants, including the normal adults who implement them. Thus, the field has not learned how to avoid evoking countercontrol. Establishment of collaborative relationships with the people targeted for help is suggested. (JDD)

Randomly assigned 47 asymptomatic, healthy gay men to cognitive-behavioral stress management condition or assessment-only control group 5 weeks before notification of human immunodeficiency virus antibody status. Individual difference analyses suggest that psychological buffering and immunomodulating effects of treatment may be attributable, in…

A script fading procedure was effectively used to teach 4 children (ages 9 and 12) with autism to initiate interactions with peers. Increased initiations (to within normal levels) generalized to a different setting, and for three of the children were maintained at two-month follow-up. (Author/DB)

Reflects rational-emotive therapy (RET) in 1955 and discusses some of its recent constructivist and humanist theories and practice. Distinguishes between general RET, called synonymous with general cognitive-behavioral therapy, from preferential RET, called unique kind of cognitive therapy that partially overlaps with general cognitive-behavioral…

Sees cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as applicable to all eating disorders but most intensively studied in treatment of bulimia nervosa. Briefly reviews most commonly used cognitive treatments for eating disorders, provides critical evaluation of their effectiveness, and speculates about their mechanisms of action. Notes that CBT has not been…

Surveyed nationally certified school psychologists (n=178) to investigate patterns of practice. Findings included trends for certified school psychologists to employ briefer interventions, to favor the more behavior theory-oriented approaches, and to report family problems as most frequent type of problem encountered in their counseling.…

Elementary school teacher describes his experience with Matt, an emotionally disturbed fourth grader. After Matt acknowledged that he felt nobody liked him, the teacher made a point of paying more attention to him, integrating him into the class, and emphasizing his strengths. Eventually, Matt improved, cooperated, and made friends. (SM)

Investigated 85 female adolescent inpatients in treatment for problems of differentiation and emancipation. Used treatment variation which suggested that girls were suffering from variety of posttraumatic stress disorder. When ritualistic behavioral repetitions were addressed by cognitive behavioral approaches, behaviors decreased. Findings…

Investigated impact of differential use of five cognitive-behavioral strategies on adjustment to bereavement. Findings from 164 widows, studied 5 to 11 months following the loss of their husbands, supported hypothesis that use of these strategies would significantly predict postmorbid adjustment over and above that predicted by demographic factors…

Reviews possible links between obesity and borderline-personality disorder and discusses treatment approaches for those individuals demonstrating such comorbidity. Approaches include modification of current techniques for obesity treatment and incorporation of psychodynamic counseling specific to borderline-personality disorder. (Author/GCP)

Compares the efficacy of PrimeTime interventions (therapeutic mentoring, training in problem-solving skills, consultation with parents) with standard mentoring for teacher-identified aggressive children (N=62). Outcome analyses revealed small gains for both treatments and provided only partial support for the efficacy of the PrimeTime…

Literature review determined a link between personal financial problems and employee productivity. Presents results of survey that assessed financial behaviors of clerical workers and their desire for workplace financial counseling. A large percentage of employees were exhibiting poor financial behaviors and 80% were interested in workplace…

Considers the planning, organizing, and conducting of a proposed model for shy college students. Offers several recommendations for educators and counselors on early identification of shy students, the design of educational environments to enhance development, and further research to answer questions about efficacy of treatment modes. (Author/JDM)

The literature suggests that adolescent peer group programs have produced positive academic and rehabilitative environments as well as environments that help reduce aggressive behaviors in group-living situations. This article suggests elements to facilitate a peer group approach to cognitive problem-solving development in school and group living…

This introductory article to this special issue on the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) notes the 40-year history of ABA strategy development, verification, and generalization. It briefly introduces the following articles, which are intended to illustrate the range of ABA applications and the depth of…