Concerns about noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) are illustrated in a case study of a 13-year-old girl with severe mental retardation who was demonstrating severe aggression. Her NCR treatment produced an extinction burst and incidental reinforcement. A brief omission contingency was added to the reinforcement schedule, which resulted in decreased…

Presents several new rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) songs. Claims that the songs may be used in both academic and therapeutic settings as a humorous way to address cognitive distortions or irrational beliefs. Reports that students and clients have responded favorably to these songs. (RJM)

Two studies investigated self-injurious behavior (SIB) in a man with profound disabilities. Results indicated that the rate of SIB varied depending on contextual conditions and behavioral state, and a treatment plan that involved manipulation of the environment depending on behavioral states and the use of Fluphenazine reduced SIB. (Author/ CR)

Examines contextual variables that affect treatment integrity. Considers change agent contingencies and describes a matrix of social interaction patterns among target children, direct change agents, and indirect change agents. Proposes that strategies described in the literature are equally applicable to change agents that increase fidelity of…

This article describes Behavioral Risk Management (BRM), a community-based, wrap-around model, that incorporates both internal and external management strategies to meet the unique needs of adolescent and adult males with developmental disabilities who exhibit inappropriate or offensive sexual behaviors. Key components of BRM are discussed, along…

A multiple probe design across activities was implemented with a 32-year-old with severe developmental disabilities to teach him to request assistance to gain release from nonpreferred difficult activities. Generalization occurred to other tasks associated with escape. No generalization occurred in tasks that the learner engaged in challenging…

Results of a functional analysis indicated the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of a 12-year-old with severe mental retardation was maintained by escape from demands and access to listening to music. The effects of the presence and absence of music and a putative establishing operation were investigated. The presence of music was correlated with…

This article presents information on the symptoms and signs of adolescent depression and proposes some types of prevention approaches practical in the school setting. Describes specific cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies that can be integrated into school-based prevention and intervention activities. (Contains 50 references.) (GCP)

Although functional behavioral assessments (FBA) have long been considered "best practice" in the field of applied behavior analysis, their use by school psychologists has a much briefer history. To assist school psychologists in becoming better acquainted with FBA, this article overviews the conceptual foundations and underlying principles of FBA…

Analysis of 117 research articles reporting use of behavioral interventions with single subjects with autism concluded that behavioral treatments are effective in reducing problematic behaviors. Type of target behavior and type of treatment did not moderate average treatment effect. Reliability of observation, number of treatment data points, and…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a reinforcement-based toilet training intervention with three children with autism. Procedures included positive reinforcement, graduated guidance, scheduled practice trials, and forward prompting. All three children reduced urination accidents to zero and learned to request bathroom use spontaneously…

A study examined whether a correlation existed between mood ratings and subsequent display of problem behavior in eight adults with mental retardation. Results indicated that bad mood ratings were highly predictive of problem behavior. When an induction procedure to improve mood ratings was implemented, dramatic decreases in problem behaviors…

Assessed face validity of teacher-implemented program based on cognitive behavior modification principles and procedures for primary prevention of test anxiety among elementary school students, as evaluated by teachers (N=24) and students (N=248). Found from a phenomenological perspective results lend support to the feasibility of the program.…

The Self-Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System (in which mild and brief contingent electric stimulation is delivered) was evaluated with five cases involving severe mental retardation and previously unmanageable self-injurious behavior. Findings indicated almost complete elimination of the self-injurious behavior with followup suggesting continuing…

Randomly assigned 79 couples seeking treatment for relationship distress to behavioral marital therapy, insight-oriented marital therapy or waiting list. Both therapies resulted in significant improvements in self-reports of global marital accord and, to lesser extent, in reduction of overall psychological distress and in enhancement of…