The author reviews some of the arguments for the retention or abolition of corporal punishment in the schools in light of his own experiences as a teacher. (SJL)

Second- and third-grade children receiving no consequences or only social consequences for donating to needy peers attributed their behavior to a concern for the other child. Children receiving material consequences together with social consequences tended to attribute their help giving to external sources. (JMB)

Although aversive therapeutic approaches can be very effective in eliminating undesirable behavior, many clients do not commit themselves to participating in an activity which is subjectively very unpleasant. The addition of a positive reinforcement system whereby the client is rewarded for engaging in aversive therapy is proposed. (Author)

Twenty-six subjects were exposed to a period of noxious stimulation and subsequently performed a task that incidentally involved learning to avoid one of two types of punishment, electric shock and monetary loss. Results support Lykken's theory of the development of sociopathic behavior and Aronfreed's more general conceptualization of aversive…

Many youngsters need help in learning to deal with their anger, despair, and frustrations. Punishment forces compliance, rather than encouraging students to take responsibility for their own behavior. Punishment works best when used occasionally and when behavior rules and guidelines have been developed with student input. Routine use of…

Summarizes research that shows the benefits of avoiding corporal punishment, putting recent defenses of corporal punishment in perspective, explaining a paradox concerning trends in corporal punishment, and concluding with an estimate of the benefits to children, parents, and society as a whole that could occur if corporal punishment were to…

This paper expresses support for the resolution of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps to prohibit aversion-based procedures. In response to Horner and others (EC 232 976), the paper agrees on the values expressed but disagrees on the science reported. (DB)

The original authors (EC 232 976) respond to reactions (EC 232 977-980) concerning their proposals regarding nonaversive behavior management. Noted is the optimistic support for people with severe problem behaviors and the expansion of variables considered when building a support plan. Stressed is the need for nonaversive support technology based…

Responds to Peter Hobson's assertions concerning the relationship of punishment and moral education. Draws upon the writings of Michael Foucoult in suggesting that punishment in the legal sense does not fit well with efforts to develop rational autonomy. Suggests that traditional talk of punishment obscures the reality of practice. (KO)

Describes investigation examining adolescents' perceptions of overall family system characteristics, parental behaviors, and demographic factors in relation to adolescent family life satisfaction. Results indicate family bonding, family flexibility, parental support, and adolescent age are positively related to adolescent family life satisfaction,…

Florida elementary school principal Jack Currie believes in unorthodox loving behavior toward children, including cuddling, kissing, and telling them he cares. Unconcerned about litigation risks, Currie is an outspoken advocate for personalized child protection services and bearish about disrespectful behavior and bureaucratic red tape. He…

Determines whether high school educators were aware of selected legal decisions rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court that affect daily public school operations. Educators studied lacked knowledge in school finance, corporal punishment, and teacher rights. Staff development and prerequisite courses in school law should be a high priority. (12…

This article discusses problems inherent in the analysis of automatically reinforced behaviors, which are behaviors that are maintained by operant mechanisms independent of the social environment. Four classes of treatment that are compatible with automatic reinforcement are reviewed, including manipulations of establishing operations, sensory…

A survey of 158 educators found that respondents tended to consider interventions that use physical pain or discomfort or social humiliation to be very aversive and tended to favor restricting the use of these interventions. Respondents viewed many other decelerative interventions as relatively mild aversives that they should be able to use.…

Outlines the history of punishment, focusing on the European tradition of obedience versus respect. Discusses reformers in child rearing, such as Maria Montessori, Karl Wilker, and Janusz Korczak, and looks at punishment and thinking errors in angry kids and in angry adults. Supplies a synopsis for conditions leading to effective punishment. (RJM)