Differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior was used in combination with a naturalistic restitution procedure utilizing victim participation to reduce the assaultive and interpersonal sexual behavior and genital self stimulation of an adolescent Down's syndrome male in a school setting. (Author/DLS)

Described is a new approach to family therapy which treats emotional problems by exploring here-and-now interpersonal relationships within the basic human group. This approach portends a drastic revision of the role that psychotherapy should play in our society. (Author/KC)

Counselors must select strategies that maximize the probability of helping clients achieve personal goals. These stratefies may focus on changing how clients think, feel, or act (T-F-A). Effective counselors need to systematically use varying combinations of T-F-A strategies that will best facilitate changes in clients' behavior. (Author)

Describes behavioral exchange contracting in which an agreement binds a worker and a client or members of a family to change specific, measurable behaviors. Maintains that behavioral contracting offers a realistic, structured approach to resolving problems in a variety of situations. (CM)

This study investigated the effectiveness of implosive therapy with emotionally disturbed retardates. Subjects (N=24), matched according to age, sex, race, and IQ, were randomly assigned to one treatment and two control groups. Following treatment, subjects in the implosive therapy group showed significantly more improvement than those who…

This article describes a teacher preparation program in health education that provides educators with the skills that will enable them to make positive changes in the attitudes, values, and behaviors of their students. (MM)

Using a case study, evaluates the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for the treatment of a patient diagnosed with a conversion disorder characterized by a perceived lump in the throat and subsequent weight loss. Results indicate that the behavioral therapy procedures contributed to increased weight and improved eating behavior. (RJM)

Tested Beck's theory explaining efficacy of cognitive- behavioral therapy (CT) for depression. Involved randomly assigning 150 outpatients with major depression to a treatment focused on the behavioral activation (BA) component of CT, a treatment including BA and teaching skills to modify automatic thoughts, but excluding the components of CT…

Investigates the effectiveness of a residential treatment program for boys with histories of sexually aggressive behavior. Clients were assessed at the beginning and end of treatment and at several time points in between. There was evidence of improved functioning on 10 of the 12 measures. On most of the measures, improvement occurred gradually…

Success in collaborative school-based consultation depends on whether teachers implement interventions suggested by consultants. Rational Persuasion (RP) has been identified as one potentially effective way to influence consultee perceptions about proposed interventions. Investigates whether presenting RP importance and objections for behavioral…

Investigates factors that have effects on conditioning. Tests nine mice with three types of reinforcement: (1) primary-need positive reinforcement; (2) secondary-need positive reinforcement; and (3) secondary-need negative reinforcement. Measures the effectiveness of the reinforcements by both rate of response and response strength. Discusses the…

Describes an educational program that contributed to a 90% reduction in the use of physical restraints in nursing homes over a two-year period. Program consists of a workshop, telephone and on-site consultations, regional meetings, and other support materials. Surveys suggest that the project can be easily adapted by care providers. (RJM)

The effects of two levels of exercise (walking versus jogging) in suppressing the self-stimulatory behavior during academic programming of a 5-year-old boy with autism were examined. Decreased physical self-stimulation and "out of seat" behavior were found only for the jogging condition. Sharp reductions in these behaviors did not return…

Describes the effect of peer influence, a more subtle form of peer pressure, on adolescent behavior. Suggests three ways principals can intervene to make peer influence a positive force in the school: Provide positive information, involve all students, and group students differently. (PKP)

College student binge drinkers incur significant adverse consequences for themselves and others, yet often do not see their drinking as problematic. Counseling interventions should therefore be sensitive to relevant consequences, motivational level, and readiness to change. Article integrates harm-reduction principles, motivational interviewing,…