This study examined the occurrence and stability of behavior problems over a 6-year period among 193 adults with mental retardation who lived with their mothers. Group level stability of behavior problems and individual level change were observed, as were bi-directional relations between behavior problems and maternal well-being. (Contains…

This paper proposes a model whereby children's behavior problems, parental stress, and parenting behavior are related. It reports evidence that child behavior problems lead to parental stress but finds other model aspects have not been tested in the developmental disability field. Also considered are practical implications integrating research of…

Research compared effectiveness of two different approaches of conjoint consultation using a manual versus a videotape series as the main components of training parents and teachers to treat children's behavioral difficulties. Parent and teacher reports characterized students as meeting their overall behavior goals; and reported high rates of…

This article uses the framework of attachment theory to describe a behavior pattern, the anxious resistant/ambivalent attachment pattern. Examples from educational practice illustrate the condition. Possible intervention approaches are suggested. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Third and fifth graders (n=45) were asked about teacher-executed punishments for moral infractions (e.g., stealing) and conventional misbehavior (e.g., gumchewing). Children perceived presentation with unpleasant stimuli as more frequent and effective than removal of privileges. Removal punishments were perceived as more effective for moral…

Illustrates and evaluates the reliability and accuracy of an efficient performance-based behavioral recording procedure to record both appropriate and problem behaviors with persons with developmental disabilities. The results demonstrate that performance-based behavioral recording procedures are precise and efficient methods of recording…

This article describes an existing behavior policy of a mixed comprehensive school in Hertfordshire, England. It stresses the need to involve all staff and pupils in development of a behavior policy, the need for regular reviews of the policy, training of new staff, the impact of insufficient differentiation, and the need for inclusion of pupils…

Agriculture teachers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (n=165) rated 77 student misbehaviors; none ranked higher than two on a four-point scale. The most serious problem was negative attitudes about school. Compared with 1984 and 1988 surveys, ambivalent attitudes dropped from first to 20th place, suggesting that ambivalence may have…

Studied the interrelationship of family and peer experiences in predicting adolescent problem behaviors in an 18-year longitudinal sample of 198 adolescents from conventional and nonconventional families. The most powerful predictors of teen drug use and delinquent behaviors were similar behaviors by peers, but peer behaviors were in turn…

Tests the hypothesis that frequent parental visiting is associated with foster children's conflicting allegiances to foster families and biological parents. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that frequent visitation is potentially difficult because of the loyalty conflicts that might accompany frequent visiting. Suggests that…

Strategies are needed that assist both current practitioners and counselors-in-training in working safely and effectively with potentially aggressive young people and their families. This safety session is intended to reduce the risk of client violence by opening a forthright dialogue regarding the risk of violent behavior, specifying appropriate…

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of the general public with regard to the acceptability of adoptive parents changing their minds and returning an adopted child who, after placement, had severe behavior problems. Results revealed that only 23% believed parents should be permitted to return an adopted child when the child has…

Assesses the interacting relationship between child behavior problems, marital satisfaction, maternal depression, and family cohesion in 43 mothers and school-aged boys. Results suggest that mothers with depressive symptoms report lower levels of marital satisfaction and higher levels of child behavior problems. Findings also suggest that maternal…

This article reviews 49 studies describing the use of differential reinforcement procedures to reduce maladaptive responding of persons with severe or profound mental retardation. Reviewed were the differential reinforcement of (1) alternative behavior; (2) low rates of responding; (3) other behavior; and (4) incompatible behavior. Findings were…

The study assessed whether 4 students (ages 9-13) with severe autistic disabilities could learn to use a self-management treatment package to reduce stereotypic behavior. Use of the procedures greatly reduced levels of stereotypic behavior. Improvement also occurred for extended periods of time in new settings without the presence of a treatment…