Two experiments involving six profoundly retarded Ss (3-18 years old) evaluated a formal method for identifying reinforcers. Results revealed that preferred stimulus conditions typically produced higher rates of responding than did either baseline or nonpreferred stimulus conditions, suggesting that the procedure can assess reinforcer value for Ss…

A 13-year-old who watched television excessively participated in a behavioral program featuring a token-actuated timer. Earned tokens activated the T.V. for 30-minute periods. The token-exchange system effectively reduced T.V. viewing and reductions were maintained at two followup points. (CL)

An examination of interpersonal antecedents for self-injurious behavior was conducted with eight retarded children. Initial analyses indicated no systematic differences in self-injurious behavior or antecedents across settings. Further analyses indicated that, relative to total occurrence, self-injurious behavior occurred significantly less…

The case of a disruptive 10-year-old is cited to illustrate the effectiveness of a positive approach. Noted are the need for some children to be helped to cope in unstructured situations and the value of avoiding confrontation and keeping accurate records. (CL)

A review of the behavioral literature on self-injurious behavior reveals that few definitive conclusions can be made regarding etiology, maintenance, or treatment. Recent evidence suggests that more thorough assessments are required and that antecedent intervention may hold promise for treatment. (Author/CL)

Discusses the use of cognitive behavioral techniques (cognitive restructuring, rational emotive therapy, and anger management) among college faculty. Each was successfully used in a treatment program for faculty at North Texas State University which emphasized reducing unnecessary expressions of Type A behavior while remaining productive and…

Mechanical restraint and a contingent "stand-up" procedures were used to treat self-injurious behaviors (SIB) of a profoundly mentally retarded institutionalized adult. Treatment consisted of gradually increasing time out of restraint, providing reinforcement for not engaging in SIB, and a brief time-out/physical hold procedure contingent upon the…

Two developmentally disabled children were held in seated position during application of timeout procedure. For autistic-like girl procedure produced dramatic reduction in tantrums and aggressive behavior and for mentally retarded boy reduced aggression. For both, immobilization timeout proved more effective than reinforcement methods alone. (CMG)

Research on subtypes of learning disabilities (LD) is reviewed and the importance of targeting specific deficits in attending behavior, impulsivity, and hyperactivity is noted. A protocol for the behavioral assessment of LD is suggested, and examples of molar as well as molecular interventions are cited. (CL)

The foibles of the fad that is behavior therapy are examined. (Author)

Results indicated that only significant reductions on test anxiety were obtained for groups given desensitization, but for groups given combinations of desensitization and counseling, improvement occurred in both test anxiety and study skills. (Author)

By enhancing the teachers' competencies in managing student behavior, the consultant sought to reduce the number of children needing counseling. Such consultation is both preventative and problem-oriented. (JC)

The conceptual and methodological aspects of various systems of counseling and psychotherapy are evaluated in relation to characteristics of the mentally retarded. A behavioral approach to modification of problem behaviors is presented as an alternative to the range of counseling and psychotherapy approaches reviewed and considered ineffective and…

The use of in vivo and imaginal desensitization procedures for treatment of a fear of flying in airplanes is described. The direct benefits of the program, along with the positive effects it had upon progress on a series of other, equally troublesome presenting problems is discussed. (Author)