One member from each of two object pairs was assigned as a reinforcer during a generalized requesting intervention using manual signs or graphic symbols with two severely handicapped learners (age 18). Prior generalized request training and reinforcer use did not influence effectiveness of later instruction in acquisition and generalized use of…

Results of a series of three experiments with four developmentally disabled males (ages 7-13) who exhibited hand flapping and body rocking indicated that some forms of repetitive stereotyped behaviors may serve social functions (e.g., escape from aversive situations), and that teaching a functionally equivalent communicative alternative can be an…

Examines Garfield and Bergin's "Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change," which emphasizes that marital and family therapy are a type of psychotherapy. Analyzes major findings about nonfamily psychotherapies, applying them to family therapy, and draws conclusions regarding therapists' thinking, emphasizing need for studying applicability of…

The concept of entrapment, viewed as a conceptual framework for social interaction skills training, is a behavioral process whereby newly acquired social responses come under the control of naturally occurring reinforcers, usually the social behavior of peers. Selection of target behaviors and intervention procedures to promote entrapment are…

Serious delinquent behavior may be part of a disabling and durable condition that consists of multiple antisocial and dysfunctional behaviors, often runs in families, and eludes effective short-term treatment. The socializing influence of long-term supportive family treatment is discussed as a therapeutic alternative. (Author/JW)

Development of generalized job initiative skills was examined with three severely retarded adult males through discrimination training, role play, and self-monitoring interventions. Although intensive training was required to establish an initial set of generalized job initiative responses, subsequent sets of responses were rapidly learned using…

A remedial math program was devised for a rural school with a total population of 110 students housed in split grades. Volunteers implemented the program, which combined metacognition strategies and behavioral reinforcement. Students made slow, consistent gains, The average number of computation facts mastered per month per student was six. (JHZ)

The education and health of students are at risk due to a rise in drug and tobacco use in schools. Social workers can help schools and students by designing, executing, and evaluating prevention interventions. Empirical data from two controlled studies are presented. (VM)

Intermediate grade children (N=24) nominated by teachers for aggressive or hostile behavior were assigned to experimental or control groups, with experimental group receiving a group counseling intervention focusing on cognitive behavior techniques, modeling, role playing, and positive reinforcement. Results suggest that, compared to controls,…

Special education teachers should involve their students in developing and implementing a successful contingency management system by including them in such activities as selecting target behaviors, choosing reinforcers, writing and reviewing behavioral contracts, and evaluating the system. Guidelines are presented for eliciting student attitudes…

Feuerstein's mediated learning theory was applied to a deaf population for investigating the cognitive modifiability of this population. The learning Potential Assessment Device (LPAD) was employed for determining transfer of learning along cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Results showed that the groups who received examiner mediation…

This study examined the effect of increasing the frequency of positive self-referent verbal statements upon both overt and reported self-esteem in children with adjustment problems. Subjects were boys in special schools. Results showed a significant difference in overt self-esteem, but not in other dependent variables. (LMO)

Discusses the causes of insomnia, its detection, and various types of treatment. (SRT)

Investigated client cooperation and improvement in behavioral versus paradoxical brief treatment approaches, assessing behavior during intake interviews in terms of the coordinating style construct. There was a stronger negative relation between noncoordinating style and improvement in the behavioral as compared with the paradoxical condition.…

This study, the fifth in a series focusing on the communication of power in the classroom and its role in student learning, investigated the relationship between teachers' use of behavior alteration techniques and student learning, and the impact of teachers' communication training and student quality on the use of these techniques. (PD)