People's incessant struggles to exercise self-control have been hindered by their misconceptions about its nature. Self-control is viewed here as a complex behavior--i.e., as a sequence of specific acts influenced by conditions both internal and external to the person. A person can exercise self-control when he has learned how to manage these…

Discusses the effectiveness in four case studies of group instruction (pretraining) in the methods and principles of self-modification as an economical and beneficial offering for individuals suffering emotional as well as overt behavioral problems. (Author/PC)

Described is a one-year study initiated to assist six teachers in developing student self-assessment instructional packages and to evaluate the impact of these materials on teacher/student behavior and attitudes. One of the lesson plans, on dress and manners for secondary students, is included. (Author/SJL)