Meta-analysis of the effects of 11 types of psychologically based organizational interventions showed that such programs raise worker productivity. The strength of effects vary by type of intervention, criterion of productivity, contextual factors in organizations, and features of research design. Also discussed are comparisons of conclusions…

Describes a program implemented in a junior high school setting designed to help nonsmokers, experimenting smokers, and dependent smokers. Presents an overview of the program which uses faculty support, biofeedback, films, structured discussions, and a 48-hour quit period for the purpose of abstaining from or decreasing smoking. (LLL)

Interviewed 38 mothers to determine the relationship between network characteristics and social support, and changes in both following divorce. Results indicated that characteristics associated with the support a mother receives may differ from the characteristics associated with how satisfied she feels with her network. With time, social networks…

Examined the effects of six small-group counseling sessions on elementary school students (N=118) who were identified as having negative attitudes about school. Discusses the content of the six sessions, which lasted 30-45 minutes each. Results showed 60 percent of students receiving counseling felt the sessions increased their liking of school.…

Hearing impaired students who display inappropriate negative responses to everyday classroom events can be helped through four techniques: (1) counter-conditioning, (2) vicarious learning, (3) systematic desensitization, and (4) progressive muscle relaxation. (CL)

The author argues that prison educators should concentrate on "outcomes"--the desired behavioral and attitude changes in their students. He describes an educational program that has achieved considerable success. (Author)

This article calls for a refocusing of alcohol education to facilitate the adoption of low-risk lifestyle choices regarding decisions about abstinence and quantity and frequency of alcohol use. Five goals are presented as a focal point for lifestyle risk-reduction education about alcohol. (CJB)

This 1955 paper, using data from former Soviet citizens, investigated the role a parent plays, through both conscious and unconscious adjustments in his child-rearing practices, in mediating for his children the influence of social change and, consequently, in preparing them for changed social conditions they may meet as adults. (CMG)

Surveyed college students (N=4,885) in 1969, 1973, 1977, and 1981 to examine changes in sexual attitudes and behavior. Results indicated sexual activity and permissiveness increased between 1969 and 1977, especially for women, but moderated by 1981. (JAC)

Providing students in a personalized system of instruction course with a pacing contingency for a portion of the course was found to help students better manage their time and organize their study behaviors. (RM)

Examined whether moral behavior and moral thought can be affected by discussion of Kohlberg-type moral dilemmas. Students (N=96) engaged in one of three discussion situations and a free-recall task. Results supported Kohlberg's suggestions that moral behavior as well as thought can sometimes be taught. (JAC)

The paper reviews research on behavioral staff management strategies in institutions for developmentally disabled persons, considering procedural effectiveness of four approaches: antecedent, contingency management, self-control, and multifaceted interventions. Methodological problems in the research are noted, along with needs for research on…

Research examining direct peer mediation is presented and evaluated. The experimental studies reviewed are divided into three major areas: (1) peers as tutors; (2) peers as reinforcing agents; and (3) peers as facilitators of generalization. Conclusions, clinical applications, and future directions follow. (Author/CMG)

Evaluated a 10-week yoga program with 61 White and 45 low-income Black elders and a control group. Results showed White elders attended class regularly, practiced daily, improved psychological well-being, and lowered their blood pressure level. Black elders attended regularly but did not practice or improve well-being. (JAC)

Teacher-paced instruction was effective in reducing inappropriate mealtime behavior of a severely retarded and physically handicapped 10-year-old. Treatment was faded easily and quickly, and followup revealed maintenance of treatment effects. (Author/CL)