This newsletter, focusing on literature and research on cognitive behavior modification (CBM), reviews articles and research on CBM with children. Works on retarded children, deaf children and children with learning disabilities are presented, with critical analyses. A parallel section on CBM with adults follows. Problem areas of phobias, anxiety,…

The relationship between interpersonal problem-solving training and behavioral adjustment was examined for 54 black, low-income preschool children. Pre- and post-testing was done with two interpersonal problem-solving measures designed by Shure and Spivack, Shure and Spivack's Hahnemann Preschool Behavior Rating Scale which classroom teachers were…

The possible influence of cognitive dissonance in psychotherapy was examined by conceptualizing therapy as an effort justification process. It was predicted that freely choosing to undergo a highly effortful procedure would aid in positive therapeutic change. Subjects (N=52) participated in a weight-reduction experiment in which the degree of…

This paper describes a first grader, manifesting high rates of problem behaviors in school, who was involved in two separate behavior management programs. Discussion of general behavior modification principles did not reduce problem behavior, but problem behaviors decreased considerably after daily letters from the teacher were sent to the child's…

A discussion is presented of the problems inherent in attempting to develop a national policy for health education. Health education is defined as any combination of learning experiences designed to facilitate voluntary adaptations of behavior conducive to health. The major difficulties facing developers of national health education are identified…

A procedure for determining the effectiveness of counseling programs is suggested in this monograph. Since the procedure is systematic and two-pronged--process and outcome evaluation--it provides information as to the degree of program effectiveness and/or ineffectiveness. A self-correcting system, the procedure's progressive steps illuminate…

After a brief review of the literature the research proposal focuses on the comparative effectiveness of non-verbal positive reinforcement vs. verbal negative reinforcement in the reduction of self-inflicted injury on 23 elementary age autistic children. In the two phase study each child would be paired by age, sex, length of time in school,…

Guidelines (established at the Syracuse Development Center) for conducting human research with institutionalized mentally retarded persons are discussed, particularly in relation to research in behavior modification. After a literature review, the five step procedure suggested by the Center is listed with such steps as submitting a proposal which…

The described teacher inservice education program is designed for preschool, elementary and secondary school teachers, teacher aides, and parents who are interested in a study of children's developmental patterns. The scope and sequencing of topics in the program are outlined, and the activities and resources involved are described. Ordering…

IN AN ATTEMPT TO MODIFY OR SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIOR IN NURSERY SCHOOL CHILDREN, A TEACHING TECHNIQUE WAS INTRODUCED WHEREIN THE TEACHER WOULD ATTEND TO THE CHILD ONLY WHEN THE CHILD WAS MANIFESTING ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR AND WOULD IGNORE THE CHILD WHEN HE WAS MANIFESTING UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIOR. IT WOULD THEN BE POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE…

THREE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING ACT (MDTA) AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION COURSES WERE EVALUATED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY ARE A GOOD INVESTMENT FOR TRAINING FARM WORKERS TO PROFITABLY PROVIDE PRODUCTS FOR A DIVERSIFIED FARM MARKET. A SURVEY OF 233 ENROLLEES DURING TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOLLOWUP RECORDS PROVIDED INFORMATION FOR PRE- AND…

Experimental modification of destructive and assaultive sibling interaction was carried out within the home environment. Two brothers (6 and 3 years old) were treated through token positive reinforcement techniques in an effort to improve their behavior towards each other. A "time out" from reinforcement procedures involved an isolation period for…

Data on the program of The Institute for Advanced Pastoral Studies were gathered through content analysis of 100 unsolicited letters from conferees, analysis of before and after questionnaires used with a conference and a control groups and given to four spring conferences in 1964, and analysis of the Theological Studies Inventory used before the…

It is assumed here that the most effective way of reducing the rate of deviant child behavior is to alter the reinforcing contingencies supplied by the social agents who live with the child. The immediate focus for the intervention program is upon the social environment in which the child lives, because it is the parents, siblings, peers, and…

Findings are presented of a four-year study on reaching rural disadvantaged youth through an informal education program called the Arkansas Special Youth Project. The information provides a framework for expanding 4-H. Specific methods and techniques used in working with the disadvantaged are outlined and evaluated in terms of the resultant…