The impact of inservice generated staff knowledge changes on the behavior of 42 mentally retarded adults was assessed. Findings demonstrated an effective time-efficient means of collecting client behavior change data, as well as a 51 percent growth in measured staff knowledge, anD a decrease in each of nine targeted maladaptive behaviors.…

Discusses the politics of marital therapy, using behavioral marital therapy as an illustrative model. Views marital therapy as inherently political with therapists continuously adopting political postures unknowingly. Inadvertent consequences of this insensitivity to the political context of their work are to reinforce traditional values, many…

Reports on a study addressing two issues: (1) the impact of problem-solving and communication skills training on the conflict-related behavior of parents and their young adolescent children; and (2) the additive effect of homework and session discussions designed to enhance generalized use and impact of skills in the home setting. (CMG)

A study showed that mentally retarded children can be taught rather easily to verbalize instructions, suggesting that past difficulty in such training was due more to inadequate procedures than to inherent difficulties related to children's ability to self-instruct. Correspondence between the children's verbal and nonverbal behavior was also…

Compared results of a cognitive-behavioral program employing relaxation training, cognitive training in problem solving, self-statement modification, and behavior rehearsal techniques to results from a control group in a program modifying impulsive behavior in adolescent youthful offenders. The program successfully modified overt antisocial…

Describes some clinical observations of procrastinating and procrastinators and addresses how these observations have led to the development of a guaranteed scheduling technique (GST) to treat procrastination. Discusses the elements of GST and its implementation. Initial student reactions to GST have been favorable. (Author/RC)

Trained peer leaders served as teachers and resource personnel for a high school smoking reduction clinic. Procedures for behavioral self-control were emphasized. Means of selecting and training peer leaders, programs presented at the clinic, and a summary of the results are given. (PP)

Examines effects of communication apprehension (fear of talking) on participation in small groups. Reviews literature on communication apprehension, presents information regarding high communication apprehension generated from three in-depth group interviews with identified high apprehensives, and discusses the implications and applications for…

Uses case examples to illustrate how cognitive-behavioral interventions can be applied to social work situations. Suggests by emphasizing the interaction of personal and environmental realities in influencing change, a cognitive-behavioral perspective of human functioning can provide a useful theoretical framework for direct practice in social…

Corporations are beginning to invest in employee fitness and health programs. Employee fitness programs result in greater morale and improved quality and quantity of work, decreased absenteeism, decreased employee turnover, and increased efficiency. (JN)

An inductive analysis of studies on discipline reveal four characteristics of effective classroom management. Preservice teachers should be able to: (1) develop a workable set of rules; (2) respond consistently to inappropriate behavior; (3) structure activities to minimize disruption; and (4) respond to, but not denigrate, the disruptive student.…

Health educators can play a significant role in the development of students' mental health. Key concepts identified for the mental health curriculum include: (1) an understanding of the student's self esteem; (2) values clarification and decision making; and (3) health counseling. (JN)

A weight control program for a group of eighth-grade girls, which included learning disabled students, was developed to change eating, exercise, and behavior patterns. The course included dietary management, physical activity, and behavior modification techniques. Results show that the students participating in the program decreased their weight…

Presents a case study demonstrating successful behavioral treatment of a depressed older man using group and conjoint therapy. Two major issues in dealing with the aged are addressed: dealing with resistance to therapy, and distinguishing between disability due to organic brain syndrome and that due to depression. (Author/RC)

A computerized health profile model was developed to help adolescents clarify their values about health and health practices. Results indicate that the profile was effective in involving adolescents in making positive decisions about their health. (JN)