Four areas of procrastination discussed in this article are: (1) the perfection trap; (2) the need to avoid avoidance; (3) the completion trap; and (4) the failure to prioritize. Included are an explanation of each area, examples of reasons people put off tasks, and methods of coping with procrastination. (EM)

This paper addresses some issues concerning the use of written instruments for measuring health behavior change. A description is given of the Health Behavior Risk Factor Prevalence Survey which was developed to identify group members' risk-taking behaviors. This instrument was used to measure the health behaviors of a group of employees in the…

In order to test the effectiveness of the use of pets with the elderly in a nursing home setting, three concurrent studies were conducted. The 29 residents participating in the experiment were selected by nursing home personnel as meeting the criteria of being depressed and withdrawn, and receiving no regular (weekly) visitors. Study I compared…

The study tests the efficacy of social meta-cognitive training for enhancing social competence in 34 learning disabled (LD) and 35 non LD low achieving incarcerated delinquents. Ss were randomly assigned to treatment, attention control and test-only control groups. Overt social behavior measures were examined in a pretest-posttest control group…

The study investigated the potential additive effects of instruction in self-control strategies and behavioral parent training with 24 hyperactive children (7-11 years old) and their parents. It was hypothesized that the combination of treatments would provide maximum benefits by altering those contingencies in the home environment maintaining…

This document reviews five psychological domains of prevention of the behavioral disease of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). First the limits of AIDS education are discussed, noting that increasing amounts of education will not necessarily reduce the spread of the virus, since information and education do not control behavior. Research…

Literature on deinstitutionalization of mentally retarded persons is reviewed. Cited are studies showing positive aspects, including improved communication abilities, increased adaptive behavior and personal satisfaction. Community adjustment findings focus on effects of involuntary relocation to another facility, age differences, and…

An investigation of incidental teaching practices on the spontaneous speech of 12 disadvantaged preschool children during free-play periods which demonstrated that such periods can be powerful learning times by capitalizing on moments when children seek new plan materials. (Author/EH)

This article describes a group approach to helping the nonassertive client. After describing the group composition and goals, he presents a session by session description for conducting the assertive training group. In addition, he presents suggestions based on experiences in leading the group. (Author)

Six adolescents, all females, who were involved in a variety of drug misuse were self-referrals for treatment. Treatment consisted of an initial comprehensive psychological examination, three intensive sessions of hypnosis and a procedure to develop cue association in situations where the girls felt tense. Results were favorable. (Author)

Many who apply to agencies for service do not receive it. To make service more accessible, changing the behavior patterns of organizations may be as important as changing organizational structure. (Author)

Program evaluation shows that a mixed behavioral format emphasizing practice situations produces results similar to traditionally operant or desensitization formats, with less attrition in attendance. Statistically significant changes on fear inventory scores is the measurable outcome of the program. (Author)

Two black psychologists and a white educator explain why the black community should be concerned with and actively involved in behavior modification practices. Alternatives are offered for increasing the number of black professionals in the field of behavior modification to help preserve the integrity of the black community. (Author)

An experimental classroom management system involving contingency management, individualized instruction, peer assistance, and teacher adoption of the role of a manager of learning activities was employed in 25 Appalachian classrooms. The study raises hope that improvements in instruction will be accompanied by improvements in the academic…