Given an opportunity to choose between an immediate, small reward and a delayed, large reward, pigeons may commit themselves to the large reward, but if the choice is encountered they will almost always select the immediate, small reward. This study tested a model, developed by H. Rachlin and his co-workers, concerning some general theories of…

Advocating "holistic" medicine, this article details the benefits to be derived from using a computerized clinical support system in a psychological laboratory focusing on internal healing where the client/patient becomes a committed partner utilizing biofeedback equipment, gaming, and simulation to achieve self-understanding and…

Investigated efficacy of combining rapid smoking aversion and training in self-control skills for maintaining nonsmoking. Results at the 13-week follow-up showed that the performance of the combined rapid smoking plus self-control program was not superior to rapid smoking plus disucssion. (Author)

Undergraduate students, (N=28), participating in a speech anxiety treatment program, served as subjects in a study designed to evaluate procedures for improbing the accuracy of self-recording. Self-monitored speeches were unobtrusively recorded to enable comparisons between the number of disfluencies that were self-recorded and the number actually…

From a population of 20 children, the treatment group received six sessions of verbal self-instructions via modeling with response-cost contingent upon efforts during training, and controls received similar training without specific treatment. Two self-report measures and teacher and staff ratings of locus of conflict did not show treatment…

A total of 146 disadvantaged preschool children were trained in 1 of 3 different types of fantasy activities. The effects of this training were evaluated over a variety of tasks measuring cognitive development and impulse control. (Author/JMB)

Two strategies for managing disruptive elementary students are described: (1) mini courts (which apply simplified judge and jury courtroom procedures in the classroom); (2) good behavior report sessions (a self-report strategy). For adolescents, two additional strategies are described: (1) goal attainment scaling; and (2) mission impossible teams…

Compared to regular education students (N=80), students (N=57) in public school special education programs perceived themselves as having less control at school and reported lower levels of happiness. Special education students (N=51) in laboratory program emphasizing perceived control had higher perceptions of control at school and more positive…

This research project tested the effects of two behavior modification programs, one emphasizing self-control and one traditional nutrition education, on the snacking habits of 91 fourth grade students. The project's methodology is discussed. (JL)

The creative process and developmental stages of writing Haiku are illustrated with examples in the theme areas of beauty, humor, desolation, and companionship. Also noted are the use of rhyming, alliteration, personification, and action, along with the value of poetry writing in learning self-discipline and achieving a healthy mental state. (JDD)

Assigned problem drinkers to waiting-list control condition or to treatment conditions based on behavioral self-management strategies or on a modified developmental counseling approach. Drinkers in both treatment programs reported significant improvements pre- to postassessment and at followup, in alcohol consumption, mood, and participation in…

A kitchen timer, three-minute egg timer, and individual clocks made from paper plates were used to teach time management strategies to learning disabled elementary school students in a resource room. Their attention span increased, work habits improved, and there was less frustration for both teacher and students. (VW)

Manipulation of mechanical restraint properties were conducted in separate studies with two profoundly retarded adolescents who exhibited both self-restraint and self-injurious behavior. Techniques included prompting, differential reinforcement, and stimulus fading. Results suggested that stimulus fading and transfer may be valuable components in…