Compared an affective (Gestalt two-chair intervention) and a cognitive-behavioral (problem-solving) counseling intervention used to help clients resolve intrapersonal conflicts related to a decision. A one-way analysis of variance revealed that affective intervention was more effective than cognitive behavioral intervention or no treatment for…

The study evaluated a commonly used component of brief time-out, in which release from time-out is delayed contingent on the occurrence of the disruption. Data were collected for one normal and two mentally retarded children on time-out producing behaviors and delay-producing behaviors during time-out. (Author/CL)

Little empirical information exists on the therapeutic needs of families with diverse backgrounds and those facing interpersonal and intrafamilial conflicts. Some therapeutic techniques (described herein) include adjunctive or alternative treatment strategies that encompass the specific needs and characteristic make-up of a family, but more…

Investigates the cumulative effect of repeated exposure of schoolchildren to antisocial models. Research results highlight the need to minimize models of misbehavior in the classroom and for teachers to manage the class in order to produce maximum exposure to good behavior models. (Author/CT)

Presents a cognitive-behavioral approach to group treatment of adolescents. Discusses diagnosis, treatment stages, characteristics of a cognitive-behavioral group, and the role of the therapist. Describes four advantages to this type of group therapy. (JAC)

Describes three programs implemented in the Providence, Rhode Island, elementary schools to improve students' self-image. These include a guidance/puppetry program, student of the week awards, and a behavioral management system. (JAC)

Addresses the practical validity of self-instruction training as an intervention for severely disabled children. Three issues are examined: (1) the development of verbal strategies adaptable to children with knowledge deficits, (2) the effects of generalization training, and (3) the role of self-talk (verbalization) in self-instruction. Four…

Five adolescents with moderate to severe mental retardation, including one with hearing impairments and blindness, were taught 12 associated work skills through an approach featuring reinforcement for desirable behavior and negative consequences and cueing for undesirable behavior. (CL)

Techniques for training a severely retarded blind client to exit his living unit during a fire drill used a combination of negative and positive reinforcement. Following a shaping procedure, the client learned to leave his living unit from any internal point through generalization training and subsequent test probes. (Author/CL)

Intervention strategies to reduce the frequency of shuddering behavior of a preschool child are described. The techniques were explained and demonstrated to the parents for use at home. The multifaceted approach included relaxation exercises, planned activities, and positive reinforcement to induce behavioral change. (DWH)

Children in kindergarten and first grade were rewarded for telling stories about fantasy figures, then encouraged to donate their rewards to handicapped children. Main effects were found only for grade, with first-grade children donating more than kindergarten children. Type of story had a greater influence on first grader's donations. (Author/DWH)

Describes the Elderly Support Project designed to teach families better home care of the mentally and physically impaired elderly. Findings supported the procedures as valuable for promoting continuing home care, better mental status, and improved behavior of elderly clients by offering families alternative positive responses. (Author/JAC)

Obese students often fade into the background of physical education classes. Physical Management is a program that helps these students on a long-term basis by offering weight control techniques. These techniques focus on nutrition education, behavior modification, and physical conditioning. (DF)

Compares behavioral with interactional couples group therapy for male alcoholics (N=36). Behavioral methods included rehearsal and weekly homework assignments, such as contracting, shared recreation, caring behaviors, communication skills, and negotiation. Both methods were effective, but preliminary results showed communication skills training…

Describes the adaptation of social work practice skills to serve black urban youth gangs. Presents a model for practice which respects youths' right to self-determination and community needs. Model stages discussed include contact, rapport, setting goals, assigning roles, procuring resources, and evaluation. Model applicability is suggested. (NRB)