Identifies and discusses treatment of some irrational cognitions of bulimics concerning food, weight loss, eating, and dieting. Describes use of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional interventions. Notes importance of providing nutrition information and realistic diet practices. Group treatment approach is briefly addressed in dealing with…

Two experiments, one involving two elementary-aged girls with autism and one involving three boys with serious behavior disorders, found that the use of contingent access to free time and play materials increased the rate of correct math problems completed and decreased the error rates. (Author/JDD)

In this case study, a six-year-old, multihandicapped child was treated for self-injurious arm-biting using two response contingent deceleration procedures and two forms of sensory extinction. Only the sensory extinction procedure with protective cuffs reduced arm-biting to manageable levels. (Author/DB)

This review defines contingency contracting and describes its theoretical basis, examines empirical studies using contingency contracts to improve various school-related behaviors, discusses potential advantages and problems, provides recommendations to assist school personnel in effectively using contingency contracts, and suggests areas in need…

An elementary physical education teacher describes a successful behavior improvement program implemented at his school. Students earned points (tokens) for good behavior and physical education achievement. They lost points for inappropriate behavior. Donated prizes were awarded based on accumulated points. (IAH)

Behavior modification techniques were evaluated by observing litter collection behavior of commercial rafting groups. The number of litter pieces retrieved by treatment and control groups was significantly different. Results support the idea that verbal appeal and role modeling can be effective litter control techniques. (Author/CW)

Examined cognitive-behavioral training procedures designed to enhance social problem-solving and impulse-control skills of delinquent adolescents. Explored multiple baseline design across subjects and tasks and an alternating-treatments design. Presented two different forms of hypothetical social problems to subjects (N=5). Results indicated…

Eighteen ninth-graders participated in cognitive-behavior modification program designed to change adolescents' self-statements and increase their self-esteem. Compared to nine control subjects, program participants had significant increase in positive self-statements immediately after training and three months later. There were no significant…

Examines cognitive strategies used in marital treatment. Describes major targets of cognitive marital assessment and treatment. Focuses on use of strategies with rural clients experiencing economic and psychological stress due to farm crisis. Describes selected techniques of behavioral marital therapy used as adjunct to cognitive marital therapy.…

Handicapped students with behavioral problems that include aggression, self-abuse, or severe withdrawal are sometimes subjected to aversive reinforcement techniques. This article provides a brief overview of the attendant debate and research, followed by a comprehensive review of the legal rulings related to aversive therapy for handicapped…

Reports experience with 14 adolescent cases of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Discusses adolescents' tendency not to cooperate with behavior therapy and medication, and the usefulness of psychotherapy in treating these patients. Concludes that non-specific milieu therapy leads to recovery in a majority of adolescent obsessive compulsives. Admits…

Reviews selected articles from medical and psychological literature that focus on special issues for diabetic woman during preadolescence, adolescence, and adulthood. Makes recommendations for behavioral interventions with diabetic women in regard to sick role adjustment, peer conformity pressures, eating disorders, sexuality, and pregnancy.…

The article describes a data-based method by which teachers can differentiate motivational problems from learning problems and increase the academic performance of learners with mildly handicapping conditions. The method involves graphing work attempted and percentage correct, reinforcing work attempted, and analyzing performance data for…

Argues that behavioral approaches in education are best placed within a rational or justificatory framework, rather than within a strictly scientific account of human activity. Draws the distinction between the two frameworks, and outlines major criticisms leveled at behaviorism in education. Discusses aspects of behaviorism in education from the…

Ratings on the acceptability, intrusiveness, restrictiveness, and efficacy of 18 commonly used interventions for decelerating behaviors were obtained from 58 special educators of severely handicapped students. Results suggested a lack of confidence in intervention efficacy and a lack of discriminant validity for the constructs of restrictiveness…