This study compared the effectiveness of differential negative reinforcement of other behavior (DNRO) and alternative behavior (DNRA) for reducing self-injurious tantrums maintained by escape from demands in a 4-year-old girl with severe retardation. Both DNRO and DNRA reduced self-injury and increased independent task performance, with DNRA…

A functional assessment of tantrum behaviors of two students (ages seven and nine) with severe mental retardation found that the function of the behavior was to gain attention rather than to avoid or escape demands. Intervention, based on the positive reinforcement hypothesis, resulted in a substantial reduction of tantrums for both subjects.…

The principle of "behavior traps" to change student behavior is explained, and examples of 25 such "traps" are suggested. The "traps" lure the child into a "success circle" of increasing positive knowledge and skills. Examples include incorporating student interests in heroes, special interests, and clubs into curricular activities; utilizing…

Researches the relation between hoarding and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). In both college student and community samples, hoarding was associated with higher scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Hoarding also was associated with higher levels of general psychopathology as measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory. Results…

Although disabled students in two major cases have won inclusionary placement in regular classes, numerous other "full inclusion" cases recently were decided in school districts' favor. This article provides a recent illustrative case (a disruptive student with ADHD and Tourette Syndrome) and a question/answer discussion about…

Studied child temperament and parental control as interacting predictors of behavior outcomes in 7- to 10-year olds in two longitudinal samples, the Bloomington Longitudinal Study and the Child Development Project. Found that resistance to control was more strongly related to externalizing in low-parent restriction groups than in high-parent…

Kentucky teachers (N=209) were given scenarios of students exhibiting problematic behavior to determined whether they considered the function of a behavior when determining a classroom intervention. Results found that few teachers considered the behavioral function when deciding upon an intervention. Discusses implications for school…

Measures of heart-rate changes before, during, and after problem behaviors of two men with severe mental retardation and multiple problem behaviors were documented. Unique patterns of heart rate and problem behavior were found. Heart rate, identified as an indicator of negative arousal, was associated with higher scores of perceived distress.…

Explains three possible behavioral functions of child noncompliance in the classroom: (1) attention-seeking, (2) mild escape/avoidance, and (3) extreme aversion. Each function is delineated in terms of its environmental effect and behavioral indicators. Educational and treatment implications are discussed for each function. (Author/DB)

This article discusses the effects of the terrorist attacks on children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. These children may be adversely affected in a number of ways including inattentiveness, increased restlessness, crying, sleeplessness, use of profanity, and even inappropriate laughter. Several suggestions are offered to…

This response to a previous article on behavioral manifestations of child sexual abuse (EC 619 258) stresses the importance of empirical research and the avoidance of assumptions that incidents of sexual abuse are the sentinel events in the life of a child, when the child's dysfunctional milieu may provide far more traumatic events. (DB)

Explores recent quantitative and qualitative studies of the long-term effects of child abuse, specifically, how abuse in childhood affects adulthood. Many studies associate various forms of abuse experienced in childhood with a wide range of psychological, behavioral, and relational problems in adulthood. Articles reviewed may inform marriage and…

This longitudinal study examined the effectiveness of intervention for behavioral objectives in Individualized Habilitation Plans of 130 adults with mental retardation in residential settings. Little evidence of effective intervention was found using three indicators: discontinuation of the behavior objective, change in challenging behavior, and…

Using data from the National Survey of Families and Households, research tests the hypothesis that positive father involvement is associated with fewer behavior problems in children. Positive paternal and maternal involvement was independently and significantly associated with children's behavior problems. Estimated effects were similar for…

Examines a number of important dimensions concerning problem behavior for schools in the United Kingdom. Summarizes government initiatives and describes one model for helping school staff work at a variety of levels to manage unwanted activities and promote positive pupil behavior. Discusses key areas for future development including: curriculum…