Examined efficacy of cue-controlled relaxation in reducing anxiety of two elementary school teachers. Both teachers exhibited significant reductions in motoric manifestations of anxiety. Both showed increases in rewarding behavior. They reduced disapproving behavior to zero on most days. Training in self-management of stress significantly affected…

Adapting the cognitive behavior modification work of Bandura and Mahoney, the author suggests a "mediational approach" to teaching creativity in the art classroom; here the desired behavior is modeled, guided experience is offered for practice, then reward in the form of approval is given for successful completion of the event. (Editor/SJL)

The study evaluated the training progress of 38 institutionalized severely or profoundly retarded adults who received either paired social praise and edible reinforcement or social praise only. Results stressed the need for reinforcer sampling before initiating skill training. (DB)

Consistent, unemotional use of timeout, without ancillary punishers, is shown to result in typical extinction curves (rather than the steeper gradient of punishment curves) for both autistic and mentally impaired children with widely different abrasive behaviors. Dangers of punishment and the therapeutic value of reduced environmental stimulation…

Discusses the positive effects of contingent rewards (verbal praise and house-points) as effective reinforcers of correct handwriting responses in elementary classrooms. Points out that direct contingency rewards proved effective in changing behavior, while implicit contingency rewards possessed aversive qualities. (JD)

Cases of deviant child behavior were described to 88 undergraduate students along with four different treatments (reinforcement of incompatible behavior, time out from reinforcement, drug therapy, and electric shock). Reinforcement of incompatible behavior was more acceptable than other treatments which followed, in order, time out from…

The author reviews recent literature dealing with teaching autistic children acceptable behaviors. Using E. Ornitz and E. Ritvo's description of autism, teaching procedures to overcome weaknesses in perceptual difficulties, bizarre movement, and problems in relating are discussed. (CL)

The right of the individual to make personal choices in health matters without undue pressure from health educators is discussed. (JD)

The results indicated that potentially employable retarded citizens can be successfully taught appropriate job interview behavior using a small group behavioral procedure. The need for such techniques in community and rehabilitation centers for retarded citizens and other clinical populations is discussed. (Author)

Two experiments investigated the effects of a behavioral intervention on the self-injurious behaviors of two profoundly retarded and/or multiply handicapped girls (ages 15 and 16). Treatments resulted in near zero levels of self-injury in both cases. (Author/PHR)

A differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) procedure employed alone, and then in combination with restitution and positive practice, did not produce clinically significant changes in the rate of disrobing. Subsequently, the use of DRO plus restitution and negative practice reduced frequency of disrobing to either zero or one episode per…

Mentally ill patients engaging in art activities were seen to recover from their illnesses faster than those not so engaged. An art therapy profession has grown as the result of this observation and incorporates a variety of theoretical orientations ranging from highly educational to highly nondirective and analytic. (JD)

Describes a seven step decision-making process which enables organizations to examine training situations to determine whether behavior modeling is appropriate. Includes a behavior modeling decision flow chart. (JOW)

Presents a behavioral technique that permits clients to manage their own depression by coaching clients through self-observation, self-mediation and self-reinforcement activities, counselors can use minimum intervention to achieve a maximum amount of client gain. The program is most effective for moderately depressed clients. (Author/JAC)

Male work releases receiving life-career management skill training exhibited substantial and significant pretherapy-posttherapy gains in all skill areas. Subjects receiving this intervention training with significant others achieved even greater gains. (Author/BEF)