Critiques a previous article on public policy options for American Indian communities that address alcohol abuse and related problems. Discusses the limitations of prohibition or controls as prevention measures. Suggests that community programs should promote healthy living by defining and communicating which behaviors are acceptable in all…

This article reports results of a peer jury system to deal with inappropriate behaviors among residents of a community-based residential treatment program for offenders with mental retardation. Comparison before and after program implementation indicated statistically significant improvement in 7 of the 8 behavior areas and for 11 of the 12 adult…

Argues that teachers can either completely prohibit aggressive play in school, which is often difficult, or allow children to channel their aggression into certain types of aggressive play. Examines how increasing violence among youth questions previous assumptions about the implications of violent play. (MDM)

This review analyzes data-based studies dealing with self-management procedures (self-monitoring, self-evaluation, self-reinforcement, and self-instruction) used by individuals with mental retardation in public school settings. Although support is found for the positive effects of self-management, questions regarding efficient implementation of…

Explored the possibility of teaching preadolescent Type A girls to control anger and hostility reactions as a preventive measure for lowering their level of Type A behavior. Results were identical for girls in the cognitive modeling group, the exemplary modeling group, and the placebo group. (Author/BB)

High school and college students (n=465) were surveyed about their knowledge of AIDS and how the knowledge affected their sexual behavior. Although reported information was good, several misconceptions were evident. Students' level of worry about contracting AIDS remained high; less than 50 percent reported behavior change since learning about…

Study analyzed the relationships among knowledge about AIDS, self-reported changes in sexual behavior, gender, and independent measures of behaviors in heterosexual college students. A survey provided only limited support for the hypothesis that students who are more knowledgeable about AIDS are more likely to adopt safer sexual practices. (SM)

Twenty studies using cognitive-behavioral interventions to influence social behavior of children and adolescents were critically reviewed, using six criteria: subject characteristics, treatment specification, outcome measures, experimental design, generalization and maintenance, and cost effectiveness. It is concluded that cognitive-behavioral…

This study assessed the adaptation of the Heidelberger-Kompetenz-Inventar (HKI) procedure for use with severely mentally handicapped young people in the German Democratic Republic. The HKI, which covers cognitive, social, and practical competencies and behavioral abilities, was found to be a sensitive and valid method of assessing changes achieved…

The effectiveness of peer-mediated intervention on the social behavior of eight socially withdrawn preschoolers was examined. Intervention conducted by classroom assistants resulted in the withdrawn preschoolers increasing their social interactions with peers during instructional triads and improving their behavior. (Author/JDD)

A review of nine studies on the efficacy of metacognitive interpersonal problem-solving training with students who have learning and behavior problems found demonstrated cognitive gains but less success in demonstrating that such gains were subsequently applied to actual behavior or generalized to other social behavior. (DB)

A self-management approach (utilizing self-counting of behaviors, corrective verbal feedback, and contingent verbal praise) was effectively used to reduce stereotypical body rocking in a congenitally blind young adult. Positive results were maintained, with replacement of overt counting with covert counting and immediate with delayed feedback as…

Two adults and two children with severe disabilities and challenging behaviors participated in the Lifestyle Development Process, in which a planning process was implemented to develop a vision of a quality life, remediate barriers to participation, and develop intervention strategies. All participants increased their number of preferred,…

A model for developing systemwide interventions for behavioral and social skill deficits in preschool children with handicaps is discussed. The model incorporates a comprehensive, curriculum-based approach to assessment and program planning and a competency-based, didactic approach to teaching behavioral and social skills. (Author/DB)

This review of behavioral research on teaching individuals with profound multiple handicaps found that behavior change has resulted from contingency management interventions, but the behavior changes cannot be described as beneficially affecting the individuals' quality of life. Explanations for this are offered, and suggestions for future…