The author explores the concept of behavior modification through self-reinforcement. This concept allows for greater responsibility for one's own behavior than other strategies. General techniques to alter behavior are presented, along with a detailed case history. (RP)

The article critiques the Fagen-Long curriculum, an affective education program which provides emotionally disturbed and learning disturbed students with lessons in self-control. (SBH)

A survey of 39 psychologists at a state school for mentally retarded persons assessed the prevalence of self-restraint, self-injurious behavior (SIB) and other maladaptive behaviors. Results indicated that almost all clients engaging in self-restraint also engaged in self-injurious behavior. (Author/DB)

A study examined the effects of progressive relaxation training on the disruptive behaviors of a 12-year-old boy with autism. The participant acquired progressive relaxation skills, displayed more relaxed behavior after performing the procedures, and showed a decrease in the duration of his disruptive behavior upon completing progressive…

Utilizing a clinical sample, this study examined relations between adolescents' subjective distress over their emotional/behavioral problems, their perceptions of parental distress over these problems, and parents' reports of their own distress over their adolescents' behaviors. Additionally, adolescents' perceived control over these behaviors was…

Background: Individual differences in conduct problems arise in part from proneness to anger/frustration and poor self-regulation of behavior. However, the genetic and environmental etiology of these connections is not known. Method: Using a twin design, we examined genetic and environmental covariation underlying the well-documented correlations…

The purpose of this study was to test a conceptual model predicting children's externalizing behavior problems in kindergarten in a sample of children with alcoholic (n = 130) and nonalcoholic (n = 97) parents. The model examined the role of parents' alcohol diagnoses, depression, and antisocial behavior at 12-18 months of child age in predicting…

There is little research regarding interventions for children with internalizing behaviors in schools, both within classrooms and in nonclassroom environments. In response to this need, a nonclassroom treatment package, consisting of (a) social skills instruction, (b) mediated self-management, and (c) a reinforcement system, was implemented to…

This study examines various factors that contribute to assaultive behavior in school. We focused on the differences between youth whose behavior was not problematic and those who admitted to threatening, stealing from, or physically assaulting students, teachers, or staff. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a random sample of…

Three approaches (other than behavioral) for the management of behavior problems in special education are described. Values clarification (attributed to S. G. Simon) is described as a preventative approach emphasizing the student's role in managing him- or herself. Proponents of this approach view many behavior problems as arising from the absence…

Children with behavior problems were taught to model a fictional turtle who withdrew into his shell to control his anger. (LS)

This brief guide notes the effectiveness of self-management strategies in increasing students' responsibility for their own learning and behavior, heightening student motivation and self-esteem, and reducing demands on the teacher's time. A strategy is outlined to help students increase their on-task behavior, by having students chart, correct,…

The present study examined the spontaneous private speech of 16 children of 5 to 7 years of age whose documented birth weight was below 1500 grams and who showed evidence, at the time of testing, of behavioral and learning difficulties. Children in the sample, though of normal intelligence, showed depressed early reading skills, difficulties in…

This study attempted to identify cognitive and behavioral deficits which might be unique to hyperactive children. Fifty children between the ages of 5 and 12 were subjects of the investigation. Four experimental groups were formed: Hyperactive (HA), Behavior Problem Children (BP), Severely Asthmatic Children (AC), and Normal Control Children (NC).…

The effectiveness of negative practice and self-control procedures were evaluated in isolation and in combination in the reduction of smoking behavior. Female smokers (N=50) were assigned to either of three treatment programs. Data provided evidence for the superiority of the combined treatment package. (Author)