Self-help programs can be used to replace, complement, or supplement formal treatment, but their effectiveness has been underestimated. To test the effectiveness of bibliotherapy in the treatment of problem drinkers, six studies were conducted over 7 years (1975-1982) comparing different treatment approaches. The combined data showed that for…

Since objective data on the effectiveness of self-help groups are not available, participants' views of a program's value are instructive. A study was undertaken to contrast participants' (N=232) evaluations of their self-help meetings with independent observers' (N=11) evaluations and to describe the components of their respective views in terms…

Self-help approaches to the treatment of problem drinking were investigated in five studies, including methods oriented toward controlled drinking as well as those designed to produce abstinence. Study 1 explored the utility of a self-help manual as an agent in improving maintenance following treatment by a paraprofessional. Clients who read this…

"In Control: A Home Video Freedom from Smoking Program" was sent to 101 participants. Of 53 completing self-treatment, 31 were verified as abstinent one month after completion. Of those completing treatment, 40 percent had not smoked three months prior to 12-month follow-up, and 30 percent had been abstinent during the past 11 months.…

Recent smoking treatment programs have shifted emphasis from initial cessation rates to long-term abstinence, with aversion therapy and coping response training having had the most success. A smoking cessation treatment consisting of rapid smoking and behavioral counseling was supplemented with two maintenance treatments. After completing the…

The behaviorally-based weight control program conducted by Levitz and Jordan at the University of Pennsylvania and the Institute for Behavioral Education is tailored to patient needs and includes stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and nutrition education. The success of patients in maintaining the clinically meaningful weight losses…

Group assertion training has employed a variety of techniques including bibliotherapy, behavioral rehearsal, and didactic lecture presentations. Whether didactic information affects behavior, structure, and/or self-evaluation is unknown, and it is not clear whether behavioral practice enhances the effects of didactic training upon behavior,…

Traces the history of self-help in the African American community, with emphasis on services and programs for children. Claims that the traditions of self-help are very much alive in the African American community, and are manifest in a range of activities. Illustrates contemporary models of self-help from the example of one adoption agency. (MOK)

Studied effects of professionally led and peer-led family caregiver groups (N=56) on psychological functioning, informal support networks, and positive personal changes in handling of caregiver role. Found professionally led groups produced greatest psychological functioning improvement and peer-led groups produced greatest increases in informal…

Describes the evaluation of various components of a self-help smokeless tobacco cessation manual that used relapse prevention, social contracting, and peer education to help high school seniors. Results suggest that use of the manual effectively helped reduce smokeless tobacco use. Recommendations for persons using the manual are included. (SM)

Outlines six contemporary self-directed placement techniques, reviews research literature regarding these techniques, and provides guidelines regarding which self-placement technique rehabilitation professionals may choose. The Job Club and JOBS program were the most expensive and effective models and can be used with a greater variety of clients.…

Used a general systems model to evaluate a self-help support group for medical students (N=26). Results showed most medical students sought out support groups to fulfill social affiliation needs and gain better self-understanding. Members shared many leadership functions and generally found the groups meaningful. (JAC)

The Model Self-Improvement Program for Inmates (SIPI) was a joint effort of Northeast Texas Community College, the Lone Star Steel Company, and the sheriff's department of Morris County, Texas, to provide a model life skills program for incarcerated individuals. A curriculum that included life skills and vocational and academic training was…

Time management may be the most important study skill. The effects of a specific teaching technique designed to alter the time management skills of undergraduate students in a voluntary study skills course were assessed. Of the 95 subjects, 34 were enrolled in the course and were exposed to time management instruction, 31 were future course…

A 5-week, 12-hour course given to the community emphasized understanding and coping with stress. At the beginning of the course several inventories were administered to the students, who also completed the instruments in a follow-up procedure 10-12 weeks after the end of the seminar. The course focused on recognition of stress signals and the…