This study evaluated whether alcoholics who receive relapse prevention (RP) sessions in the year after a short-term behavioral marital therapy (BMT) do better at long-term follow-up than do those not receiving the additional RP. Sixty couples with an alcoholic husband, after participating in 10 weekly BMT couples group sessions, were assigned…

Thirty-five studies were originally selected to be analyzed as to behavior modification techniques used in successful weight-loss programs. From these, 14 studies were chosen that provided sufficient data, including follow-up data, and 4 studies that had no follow-up data but that did report data from the treatment time period. As a result of rank…

Counseling strategies employed by practitioners have, by necessity, often been the result of subjective observation and intuition. This article discusses a "common sense" technique--the use of lay psychology books--and proposes guidelines for use of the procedure as a viable counseling strategy. (Author)

There are a number of instructional approaches available within ABA, each of which is uniquely suited to address specific deficits in learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Clinicians can utilize a combination of Discrete Trial Instruction (DTT), naturalistic strategies, and rate-building procedures to maximize the acquisition, generalization,…

A single case alternating treatment design was used to investigate interactions between reinforcement scheduling and the information that accompanies a shift from a high to lower density of reinforcement with a 12 year old emotionally disturbed boy. Results showed that the informational variables exerted functional control over behavior, with the…

The paper outlines the basic tactics in pro-active behavior management, a behavior modification approach for use with severely handicapped students which reorders the staff/student relationship by focusing on positive interaction. Pro-active behavior management is noted to involve interruption of established behavior chains, environmental…

SOME OF THE PROBLEMS IN ARRIVING AT A TRAINING PROGRAM FOR BEHAVIOR THERAPISTS STEM FROM THE DIFFICULTY IN DEFINING BEHAVIOR THERAPY. BASICALLY, HOWEVER, A PERSON'S DIFFICULTY IS UNDERSTOOD AS HIS BEHAVIOR IN REACTION TO SITUATIONS. THIS BEHAVIOR RESULTS FROM A CURRENT OR PREVIOUS REINFORCER. NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR DIFFER ONLY IN THE TERMS…

Written for people who are entering or who are already engaged in some form of the helping professions, this book attempts to answer the following questions: "What ideas about human behavior have special value for understanding the helping relationship?""What do these imply for effective practice in the helping professions?"…

Although contingency contracting is a popular strategy for use in treating distressed relationships, there is no direct evidence of its efficacy. A stimulus control model of change in behavioral couples' therapy states that conditions under which an agreement was negotiated are the primary determinants of whether the agreement is upheld. (Author)

Author outlines five assumptions or characteristics typical of behavior therapy, and uses them in an attempt to define the subject. (BP)

Effects of a peer-mediated versus an antecedent prompt condition on the rate of independent movement and appropriate behavior of five handicapped preschool children during three classroom transition periods were evaluated. Results indicated that the antecedent prompt condition was superior. (Author/DB)

The study evaluated a reinforcement theory of stereotyped behavior with six autistic students (ages 9-16). Three students evidenced decreases in stereotypy and increases in responding in the presence of usual reinforcers, while the other three students required external suppression of stereotypy before increases in responding were shown.…

Describes an innovative procedure which uses discussion and hypnosis to help smokers lose their desire to smoke. The smoker is asked to reevaluate the validity of beliefs concerning smoking and urged to see destructive effects from poisonous tobacco smoke on mind and body. With hypnosuggestion the client is helped to implement abstinence from…

Two experiments examined the reinforcing value of response contingent sensory events consisting of combinations of visual, auditory, and vibratory stimulation with 10 nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded individuals. Results indicated that systematically varying a multimodal sensory event is an effective way to identify positive reinforcers…

Defines cognitive-behavioral counseling and addresses specific questions concerning the practical application of cognitive-behavioral group counseling. Looks at types of concerns addressed; considerations for structuring groups; techniques and relationship to group dynamics; social skills training; cognitive restructuring; coping skills and…