A meta-analysis of 28 studies was conducted to review the effectiveness of Beck's cognitive therapy for depression, and to compare cognitive therapy with other modes of therapy. Results documented a greater degree of change for cognitive therapy compared with a waiting list or no-treatment control, pharmacotherapy, behavior therapy, and other…

A self-recording procedure to help three third grade behaviorally disordered students walk directly from regular to special education classes was evaluated. Students chose from an array of reinforcers for use when they had reached the classroom within a specified time. The intervention was effective in increasing the number of days students walked…

This study examined effects of restitution on object throwing behavior of an adolescent male with severe mental retardation. Restitution was shown to maintain throwing behavior. When the subject was not forced to pick up what he threw (no restitution), throwing dropped to zero and was maintained at a very low rate. (Author/PB)

Reports on three research studies that tested the hypothesis that the focus of attention of individuals in groups varies as a function of the group composition. The populations studied were members of the Nixon White House staff, high school students, and male undergraduate students. Results supported the idea of self-focused attention as a…

Reports on the results of a survey designed to explore the views of educational psychologists about their use of behavior modification with clients. Summarizes the responses of a random sample of educational psychologists practicing in the United Kingdom. Finds that most respondents do not implement behavior modification in the traditional manner.…

Four alternative strategies to enhance learning-disabled students' learning and improve their self-concept include creative writing, peer tutoring, creative teaching, and behavior modification. (DB)

Examined 32 couples receiving treatment to identify therapist and client behaviors associated with positive response to social learning-based behavioral marital therapy. After each session, therapist, husband and wife independently completed process rating forms measuring therapist and client behaviors during the session. Therapists', husbands',…

The article reviewed research on professionals', consumers', and others' judgments of the restrictiveness, social acceptability, and estimated frequency of use of procedures to decrease problem behaviors of disabled persons. Most respondents agreed that more restrictive procedures should be used as a last resort and that less restrictive…

Two responses are presented to a paper on treatment of self-injurious behavior by J. Mulick and J. Kedesdy. The responses discuss whether conflicts exist between normalizing care practices and behavior analytic methods, and describe social role valorization as a theoretical system with extensive empirical support, grounded in social and behavioral…

The study investigated the effectiveness of an instructional program designed to promote independent walking in a mentally and physically handicapped (cerebral palsied) preschooler involving a collaborative effort between a behavior therapist and a physical therapist in an interdisciplinary setting, a public school. (Author/DB)

Five dental residents provided with patient behavioral management training showed improved performance of specific dentist-patient behaviors than those not given the training. The training is seen as successful because it was highly focused, behavior-specific, individualized, and carefully monitored. (MSE)

Fourteen students, aged 7-24, with severe developmental disabilities who exhibited frequent aggression, self-injury, and/or tantrums were assessed to engage in problem behavior maintained by social attention or by escape from unpleasant situations. The differential effectiveness of praise and time-out was measured, indicating the importance of…

Investigated prediction of therapeutic alliance from patient pretreatment characteristics among 60 elderly depressed outpatients treated in behavioral, cognitive, and brief dynamic psychotherapy. Found that higher degree of patient defensiveness was related to lower patient contribution to alliance as reflected in patient commitment and working…

Addresses training issues in behavior therapy, identifying methods and skills considered most important for affecting change in client behavior and reviewing progress made in demonstrating that these skills can be taught effectively. Discusses decision making skills used to identify problems, select appropriate interventions, and evaluate client…

Compared participants' verbal response modes (VRM) in exploratory and prescriptive psychotherapies. Each client received eight sessions of each treatment with same therapist throughout. Therapist and client utterances were coded for each of 39 clients. Found large therapist VRM differences between treatments, consistent with theoretically…