This study examined conformity to the Program Standards for Treatment Foster Care among 42 statewide programs. Findings suggest fair to good overall conformity, with considerable variation among programs. A discussion of methodological and substantive considerations for future research and evaluation using this approach is included. (Contains…

This article introduces the use of nonaversive behavior management with persons exhibiting undesirable behaviors. Definitions are suggested and three fundamental elements are explained: (1) a nonaversive set of procedures; (2) social validation criteria emphasizing personal dignity; and (3) the prohibition or restriction of certain aversive or…

Examined relations between psychiatric disorder and coronary heart disease (CHD) in 77 patients with chest pain, and compared coping profiles of chest pain patients with and without psychiatric disorders and CHD. Psychiatric patients with no medical disease were also studied. Results are discussed in the context of illness behavior and…

This position paper discusses aversive conditioning and other behavior reduction procedures. Environmental modification, differential reinforcement, timeout, overcorrection, and corporal punishment are discussed in terms of current applications, with arguments for and against their inclusion in behavior modification. Eight guidelines are offered…

Forty-three percent of troubled youths in residential programs received weekly visits from their case managers in the welfare department or juvenile court. Following a procedure of writing post-visit thank-you letters to case managers and their immediate supervisors, weekly visitations increased to 78 percent of the youths. (Author/JDD)

Studies (N=168) describing the use of behavioral interventions with behavior-disordered students were analyzed in terms of their reporting on four classes of marker variables: descriptive, substantive, topical, and background. Data showed that more thorough descriptions of research populations are required in the areas of selection criteria,…

A clinical case of penile obsession and compulsive hypersexuality is interpreted from four different theoretical frameworks--psychoanalysis, behaviorism, Bowen-type multigenerational therapy, and structural/strategic systems theory--to illustrate how conceptual frameworks implicitly or explicitly underlie all therapeutic approaches. Implications…

The article describes a program which introduced classical music to 18 students in a residential treatment program for adolescents with a history of substance abuse. Use as background music progressed to students requesting tape copies for personal use and group attendance at a symphony rehearsal and concert. (DB)

Explored disciplinary violations committed by emotionally disturbed inmates, contrasting reactions of experienced corrections officers and mental health personnel regarding the acts of 50 inmates. Results indicated that groups concurred regarding the need for mental health referrals, but occasionally diverged regarding the appropriateness of…

This paper argues for a broad interpretation of the definition of social maladjustment; presents a hypothetical model of the relationship between adequacy of parenting and adequacy of environment; discusses methods for identifying social maladjustment; and describes programing for prevention and rehabilitation through development of social…

Chemically dependent adolescents identified as cases of physical and/or sexual abuse (N=145) were compared with control groups of nonabused chemically dependent adolescents and nonabused, nondependent adolescents. Self-esteem was measured with the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, and the chemically dependent, abused group showed significantly lower…

This article addresses the importance of academic instruction in addition to traditional social and behavioral interventions with students having emotional and behavioral disorders. Literacy instruction is discussed from the constructivist view and literacy assessment and intervention are compared and contrasted with constructivist and behavioral…

This article examines the possibility that a variety of other psychiatric disorders may be associated with conduct disorders in children, and these additional disorders may require very different interventions. Extrapolation of symptoms from classroom inattention or disruptive behavior and estimated prevalence are discussed. (Author/DB)

Interviewed 74 students with behavior disorders (BD) to determine their perceptions of what skills regular and BD teachers need. Students requested that teachers learn to be fair and respect students and to be sensitive to students' feelings and develop counseling skills. Other themes dealt with personal qualities, instructional skills, behavior…

This article raises concerns about implementing England's National Curriculum for students with challenging behavior in schools for those with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Challenges include insufficient teacher subject expertise, pupil underachievement in subject areas, the need for more structured environments, emotional stress on…