Evaluated efficacy of parental problem-solving training in a behavioral weight-reduction program for obese children. Assigned children and their parents to problem-solving, behavioral, and instruction-only weight-loss groups. Children in the problem-solving group lost significantly more weight and maintained the weight loss better. Child weight…

This issue of "Residential Group Care Quarterly" contains the following articles: (1) "Achieving Better Outcomes for Children and Families: Reducing the Use of Restraint and Seclusion" (Katherine Johnson); (2) "STAR Project Outcomes" (Nancy Campbell); (3) "The Devereux Glenholme School" (Mary Guilfoile); (4) "Lessons Learned in the Reduction of…

This report describes a program for decreasing student aggressive behavior when confronted with conflict. The targeted population consisted of four fourth grade classrooms in a growing middle class community. The problems of aggressive behavior were documented with classroom surveys, discipline and peer mediation referrals, records of parent…

The author has developed a treatment manual that has integrated technical cognitive-behavioral training in resolution of conflicts, from a social focus and in a group format. This intervention model includes: discussion and practice of the necessary components for the effective resolution of conflicts, making of decisions, identification of signs…

A study showed that mentally retarded children can be taught rather easily to verbalize instructions, suggesting that past difficulty in such training was due more to inadequate procedures than to inherent difficulties related to children's ability to self-instruct. Correspondence between the children's verbal and nonverbal behavior was also…

Describes efforts to increase the independence created by self-management procedures by teaching children to self-initiate their implementation across settings and activities. Participants were two boys who engaged in inappropriate vocalizations. Results indicate that participants were able to discriminate settings or activities in which…

Presents modifications of cognitive-behavioral therapy with children who are reluctant to undergo counseling. Outlines the use of games and workbooks which can increase flexibility and creativity and which can augment counseling sessions by making them fun. Includes a list of games and workbooks with age-level guidelines. (RJM)

Four components (awareness training, self-monitoring, social support, and use of a competing response) of a habit-reversal treatment were administered to four children with motor tics. Results found a decrease in the tics of all participants during the treatment; however, individual decreases were seen with different combinations of components.…

This article explores common, recurrent themes in the development of our understanding of approaches to emotional and behavioral disorders. It identifies the following eternal verities: behavior can change, intervention is second to prevention, instructional reactions, transparency in communications, empathy and equity, boundaries and challenges,…

Evaluated the hypothesis that the apparent superiority of behavioral interventions among children is due to differences in the methodological quality of studies of behavioral and nonbehavioral treatments. Meta-analytic results found little support for this hypothesis. Because meta-analysis is a correlational technique, these results should be…

Twenty studies using cognitive-behavioral interventions to influence social behavior of children and adolescents were critically reviewed, using six criteria: subject characteristics, treatment specification, outcome measures, experimental design, generalization and maintenance, and cost effectiveness. It is concluded that cognitive-behavioral…

Compares three treatment modalities for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including stimulant treatments, primarily methylphenidate; behavioral treatments, including contingency management and parent training; and cognitive-behavioral or self-regulation therapies. Discusses methodological quandaries, constricted focus, and…

This case study reports use of ignoring, positive reinforcement, passive restraint, and time-out in treatment of a 10-year-old girl with profound retardation and disruptive behaviors in home and classroom. Time-out was the most effective intervention with all three target behaviors, with improved behaviors maintained for at least six months.…

Functional assessments were conducted for two Irish individuals with severe disabilities and aberrant behavior. A modified attention condition was introduced, which involved both parents interacting with a third person. Aberrant behavior occurred only in the modified attention condition. Successful treatment consisted of delivery of attention on a…

Summarizes research on the effects of stimulant medication on children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Concludes that medication alone is not enough, its benefits should not be oversold, and it is not the solution for everyone. Encourages educators to participate in interventions for children with AD/HD. (MKA)