This study examined factors associated with repeat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among seronegative subjects (half of whom reported engaging in high-risk behaviors), noting behavior change following counseling and testing. Surveys indicated those with high-risk behaviors were more likely to be retested. There was minimal behavior…

Examines the relation between therapist process variables (adherence and competence) and subsequent symptomatic change in patients. Twenty-nine depressed patients were seen in 16 sessions of weekly supportive expressive (SE) dynamic psychotherapy. Change in depression from intake to session three predicted higher ratings of adherence to expressive…

Extinction effects were evaluated in a multiple baseline across behaviors design with 2 boys (ages 7 and 8) with disabilities after just one of several target problem behaviors was observed during a functional analysis. Other target behaviors emerged as extinction was introduced sequentially across all problem behaviors. (Contains three…

This article reviews the extant literature on the occurrence of sleep disorders in children with developmental disabilities. Various assessment and treatment strategies for sleep difficulties are examined and issues are discussed that may influence treatment development as well as the best practices for addressing sleep difficulties. (Contains…

This article reviews features of behavioral support plans that teams should consider as they develop positive, effective responses to problem behavior, including investing in prevention occurrences of problem behavior and developing instructional objectives, avoiding rewarding problem behaviors, rewarding positive behaviors, and knowing what to do…

This article delineates the reasons why educators find punishment a more acceptable approach for managing students' challenging behaviors than positive reinforcement. The article argues that educators should plan the occurrence of positive reinforcement to increase appropriate behaviors rather than running the risk of it haphazardly promoting…

Study was designed to develop and evaluate a Drug Court employment intervention program to improve drug treatment retention and to reduce recidivism. Focus groups with clients helped in understanding the employment needs in order to target and refine the enhanced employment intervention. Clients consistently expressed difficulty in balancing work…

This study analyzed specific stimuli reinforcing destructive behavior in two 11-year-olds males with mental retardation and severe destructive behavior problems maintained by attention. The use of concurrent schedules of reinforcement identified alternatives to the reinforcing verbal reprimands and led to development of effective treatments to…

Defines normalization and deviations in child development. Discusses the three different levels in the normalization process. Asserts that guiding the process of normalization should drive the practice of Montessori education. Concludes that whenever there are brief episodes of normalization, the true nature of the child shows itself. (JS)

A sample of 103 intervention outcome studies was considered to confirm best practices for intervention for challenging behavior in persons with intellectual disability and acquired brain injury and to establish service conditions associated with its effectiveness. Evidence supports the effectiveness of behavioral interventions. Problems with…

This 1963 paper explains that physicians must help balance their patients' desire to live a pleasurable life with their desire to be healthy, noting that if they insist upon only health-promoting behaviors, their patients will view them as being "warriors against pleasure" and may not follow their advice. (SM)

This study examined the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a classwide peer-assisted self-management program (CWPASM) to change behaviors of 10 at-risk students in three seventh grade classes. Target students' on-task behavior improved from 35 percent to 80 percent and increased their use of two appropriate social skills. Feasibility…

Positive Behavior Facilitation (PBF) is a comprehensive approach to understanding and intervening in the behavior of youth. Research clearly indicates that the behavior of children is best understood and ultimately managed by comprehensive strategies and techniques that consider not only what a child is doing but also why a child is demonstrating…

In this article, the author responds to a teacher's request for advice on how to handle one 4-year-old child in class who is having difficulty adjusting to changes. According to the parents, maybe that is because they have been so careful to keep promises and be predictable at home. The author provides some suggestions on how to work with the…

Research continues to reinforce the desirability of non-punitive environments for children. This article describes a school for severely emotionally impaired children that was transformed from a coercive climate to empowering children to develop their own controls. The author stresses that removing systems based on punishment and control can be…