In observations of three brain injured children (20, 32, and 24 months old), the authors found a strong association between reinforcement density and cooperative behavior during physical therapy sessions. The results suggested that the delivery of reinforcement per se has substantial effects on behavior. When large amounts of noncontingent…

The sixth part of a 10-part series, this report was compiled by the Educational Development Center at Wilkes College. The series deals with various aspects of the treatment of delinquents and is intended as a summary of research findings in each of the areas treated. Each report was prepared by a scholar-practitioner and is presented in a way that…

The author discusses the legal and administrative concerns, best professional practices concerns, and political concerns related to the use of physical restraint and time out procedures with seriously behaviorally disordered children. Among the points made are that the courts may consider such approaches to be cruel and unusual; that direct…

THE IMPORTANCE OF ASSISTING STUDENTS IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IS EXPLORED. COUNSELORS ASSIST STUDENTS IN LEARNING HOW TO MAKE DECISIONS. A DECISION SHOULD BE EVALUATED IN TERMS OF THE PROCESS USED TO ARRIVE AT IT RATHER THAN IN TERMS OF THE RESULTING CHOICE. KNOWLEDGE OF ALTERNATIVES, POSSIBLE OUTCOMES, AND THE PROBABILITY FOR SUCCESS OF…

Hyperactive children (N=20) and their families that completed 4 months of parent training were compared with children (N=20) and their families that disengaged prematurely. Results from scales measuring emotional adjustment, personality, and intellectual functioning, indicated that children and parents who remained in treatment were older and…

Observable behavior change is a more useful goal in counseling than self-acceptance or self-understanding. Goals should be stated as specific behavior changes desired by each client, compatible with the counselor's values, and externally observable. Behavioral goals would result in: (a) a clearer anticipation of what counseling could accomplish,…

This review of the research literature focuses on processes that Cautela (1972a) has called covert conditioning and Mahoney, Thoresen, and Danaher (1972) have called covert behavior modification. Both of these terms refer to processes for changing behavior through imaginal responses. Two general strategies have been employed. One has been to…

A game designed to teach some of the skills used in behavior modification with slow learners was evaluated. The game, called "Modifying," was developed to increase the range of experience for students preparing to be special education teachers. A randomized, posttest-only design was employed. The design incorporated three treatments:…

A behavioral consultation school psychology service model is presented which provides a vehicle for services and communication of process and outcome measures in program evaluation research. The consultation model promotes process and outcome evaluation, leads to use of an applied research technology, and provides a communication technology for…

The question of what it means to be "scientific" in the broadest sense is explored, and this information is used as a basis for evaluating the past, present and future of behavioral therapies. (Author/BP)

In the long run, the scientific therapies will prove more efficient for more people more of the time and will produce less harmful results. To the degree that the "unscientific" therapies last, they will have certain usable aspects incorporated into the remaining "scientific" systems. (Author)

Argues that while psychologies can be integrated, their undergirding epistemologies cannot be. What is often called "cognitive behavior therapy" amounts to the assimilation of cognitivist notions to a behaviorist framework. (Author/BP)

Having presented the opening article on behavior therapy, the authors now respond to 10 other writers' comments on their work by attempting to synthesize their critics' ideas with their own. (BP)

Clients (N=16) were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either individual or group treatment. Treatment consisted of relaxation training followed by viewing 45 videotaped vignettes depicting graduated sexual behaviors. Improvement remained stable through a one-year follow-up. Control clients showed no improvement and trends toward…

Investigated the effects of therapy modality and self-disclosure tendency and gender. High N=40 and 40 low scorers on a modified self-disclosure questionnaire were asked to rate audiotapes of simulated therapy sessions on several dimensions. High self-disclosers preferred client-centered therapy and low self-disclosers preferred systematic…