Compared the effectiveness of booster treatments and regular contact for enhancing maintenance in headache patients previously treated by biofeedback and relaxation. Diary records and patient interviews showed no major differences between the conditions, suggesting that regular contact may be an efficient procedure for maintaining treatment gains.…

Explored the effectiveness of a very low calorie diet to induce rapid weight loss, combined with behavioral techniques to maintain this loss in 17 obese women. Results showed a substantial and sustained weight loss. Subjects did not experience increased anxiety or depression. (JAC)

Followed eight male smokers with chronic pulmonary or cardiac disease through a smoking cessation program of gradual nicotine withdrawal, self-management, and relapse prevention. At one year, half remained abstinent, while relapsers smoked substantially less than before treatment. Reductions in carbon monoxide and thiocyanate levels were…

The paper explores three reasons for low use by teachers of behavior modification: (1) differences in assumptions concerning causality, (2) attributions of responsibility, and (3) problems in modifying the working knowledge of teachers. The implications of these issues are discussed in terms of how consultants might increase the impact of…

Describes three formats of a 15-hour training program for human service practitioners, who learned to maintain older persons at home using behavioral methods. Findings revealed significantly improved knowledge of gerontological information, practice skills, and relevant behavioral principles. All three formats produced significant outcomes. (BH)

Compared the relative efficacy of externally managed and self-managed free token response-cost systems in decreasing inappropriate behavior of two learning-disabled students. Differential effects of treatment conditions were assessed using alternating treatments design. Results found both treatment conditions equally effective in decreasing…

Despite success of cognitive behavior modification (CBM) techniques in changing the behavior of learning disabled children in specific situations, little success has been achieved in changing cognitions of learning disabled children. Reasons for lack of evidence that CBM brings about cognitive change are explored. (Author/CL)

This review assesses current behavioral approaches for controlling aggression in children and develops hypotheses regarding the motivation for aggression in these children in order to formulate guidelines for further research. (RH)

Treatment of 35 children (between 1 and 5 years of age) with sleep disorders was focused on helping the child stay in bed quietly if awake and to settle into sleep without parental attention. Improvement occurred in 77 percent. Results illustrate effects of treatment sample selection and indicate dangers of generalizing findings. (Author/RH)

Presents a successful program for preventing isolation and alienation in early adolescents, developed by The Quest National Center. It uses a multimodal behavior therapy approach that works to combat the delusion of uniqueness many adolescents experience. Lists 11 references. (MD)

Describes The Quest National Center that was formed a decade ago to develop "skills for successful living and learning" in adolescents. The curriculum they have developed is called "Skills for Living," a successful character education program reaching 600,000 students each year. (MD)

Treatment of an eight-year-old severely mentally retarded girl's repetitive spoon banging consisted of saying "no bang" and pulling a terry cloth bib over the subject's entire face for five seconds. High frequencies of spoon banging during nontreatment conditions rapidly decelerated when facial screaming was in effect. Follow-up data indicated…

Analysis of effects of intertrial intervals on correct responding and self-stimulatory behavior by four autistic children (6-11 years old) revealed that short intertrial intervals produced decreased levels of self-stimulation and increased levels of correct responding. (Author/CL)

Three behaviorally disordered mainstreamed 10- to 12-year-old students were systematically trained to prompt teachers for help, praise teachers after receiving help, and prompt teachers for approval on their academic and social performance. All three subjects were able to modify the amount of teacher help they received in the regular classroom.…

Discusses several strengths and weaknesses of the behavioral approach in psychotherapy. Possible remediation of some of the weaknesses are explored through integration of contributions from client-centered or psychodynamic approaches. Risks associated with an integrated model of psychotherapy are considered. (Author)