Recording the antecedents and consequences of problem behavior for the purposes of conducting descriptive analyses (called "A-B-C recording") can be particularly challenging, given the multiple variables that are commonly present in the natural environment. Nonetheless, psychologists and behavioral consultants often must rely on parents and…

Research has shown that functional analysis results are beneficial for treatment selection because they identify reinforcers for severe behavior that can then be used to reinforce replacement behaviors either differentially or noncontingently. Theoretically then, if a reinforcer is identified in a functional analysis erroneously, a well researched…

This article examines the Kentucky Initiative for Social Skill and Emotional Development which provides annual training and technical assistance to build early childhood programs' capacity to deliver practices known to promote social and emotional competency. The initiative is based on the 3-tiered Positive Behavior Support model that teaches…

A mediated punishment procedure that involved recreating a behavioral sequence by guiding the subject through the behavior in the situation in which it occurred was used to suppress several severe behavior problems in two severely handicapped children (ages 4 and 17). (Author/DB)

Five experiments with severely retarded noncompliant males made use of behavioral momentum to increase compliance. A series of commands with which the subject was very likely to comply were issued immediately prior to issuing a low-probability command. Results indicated increased compliance and decreased compliance latency and task duration.…

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…

The transportability of an evidence-based teacher professional development program, the Incredible Years Classroom Management Program, was evaluated. This study compared the impact of two training methods: self-administered videotape modeling (VM) and self-administered videotape modeling plus consultation (VMC) on teachers' use of classroom…

This report examines issues concerned with the use of aversive behavior modification techniques in actual treatment practices at one intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded. The review of these practices reveals how, once the philosophy of using aversives takes hold at a program (to deal with seemingly intractable behaviors), its…

Children (N=101) from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade were assigned to a social skills training program or control condition. Subpopulations of subjects were identified. Results indicated underachievers improved social relationships, disruptive children increased academic skills, and exceptional children increased significantly in both areas.…

This article describes use of the Awareness Enhancement Device with a typically developing 6-year-old child to reduce finger sucking despite the child's lack of motivation. This device delivers a tone contingent on occurrence of the target behavior. Substantial reductions in finger sucking resulted only with the addition of a more intense tone (90…

This study evaluated use of a parent coach in teaching positive parenting skills to four parents with noncompliant children. The parents successfully learned and used the skills-based teaching techniques, the reward system, and the self-monitoring strategies. Child compliance with parental instruction improved. (Contains references.) (DB)

To ameliorate violence in schools, many programs are being developed to provide students with tools to help them successfully resolve conflicts. However, there is a limited amount of quantitative data supporting their effectiveness. This study was an effort to add to the pool of research on the effectiveness of peer mediation training in schools.…

Evaluates the effectiveness of social skills training methods specifically designed to enhance children's peer relationships. Discusses "coaching" methods on the basis of a small scale survey of social skills training procedures in use at social service agencies, guidance centers, hospitals, and clinical settings. (Author/AOS)

The study examined the effects of physical fitness training and reinforcement on the maladaptive behaviors of five institutionalized mentally retarded/emotionally disturbed adults. Results showed a dramatic decrease of target behavior during intervention phases and a clear increase during the baseline and maintenance phases. (Author/JDD)

The usefulness of problem-solving training with emotionally troubled students and of peer ratings as an index of change was investigated to determine the success of an early intervention program. During a 14-week period, advanced undergraduates (N=6) conducted a small-group intervention program focused on social skills training for 32 maladaptive…