The question of changes in men's family roles is considered from the standpoint of approaches that feminists of both sexes might use to bring about those changes. Emergent consensus subsumes strategies labeled as prosocial and self-interest. The remaining approach subsumes negotiation strategies. Suggestions and practical applications follow.…

Tests predictions based on reactance theory, postdecisional regret, and language expectancy theory in a study altering logical style (inductive versus deductive) and language density in messages to parents advocating family sun safety. Finds influence of message varies by stage of progression to action, which has implications for tailoring health…

Subjects (N=45) were treated with one of three weight control procedures: (a) attention placebo; (b) covert sensitization; and (c) covert sensitization augmented by false physiological feedback. Although all treatment groups lost weight, there was no differential weight loss among the groups at posttest or a 4-week follow-up test. (Author)

Measurement issues relating to behavior modeling research are discussed. Researchers have successfully demonstrated the ability of behavior modeling to produce significant behavioral change in the training milieu, but have been less successful in showing the transfer of such change to everyday situations, a problem partially caused by measurement…

This study compared systematic desensitization and two pseudotherapy manipulations with and without false galvanic skin response feedback after every session suggesting improvement in the modification of intense snake and spider fear. The results indicated no consistent differences between the three treatment groups. (Author)

A counseling analogue study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a method for changing clients' self-perceptions in an interview. Based on causal attribution theory, an interview procedure was designed to systematically control behavioral information assumed to be utilized by individuals in inductively arriving at views of their…

This commentary on EC 605 189 discusses assumptions of gentle teaching, its use of supportive behavioral techniques, and criticisms of gentle teaching. The paper concludes that gentle teaching is distinct from applied behavior analysis (ABA) in its unconditional valuing and focus on mutual change and is congruent with ABA in use of several…

Underweight subjects were assigned to either a self-reinforcement condition, a self-punishment condition, or to a discussion/reflection control condition. The subjects received one treatment session per week over a five-week period. After treatment, the self-reinforcement groups gained significantly more pounds (kilograms) than either of the other…

Eight disruptive children attended an after school reading tutorial program one hour a day for 72 days. After baseline, the children evaluated their academic and social behavior. A token program was instituted in which points and backup reinforcers were made contingent upon accurate self-ratings. This program was then gradually modified. (Author)

Institutions for people with disabilities can be "deinstitutionalized" by changing the way they are organized and regulated. The process of developing community learning environments in residential programs involves design of daily living routines, assessment of residential living skills, identification of teaching objectives, development of…

This monograph examines the component parts of behavior modification, initially defining the problem behavior and drawing a difference between specific observable behaviors (the focus of behavior modification), and the interest of Freudian and similar psychologies in unobservable internal processes. Instrumental learning related to shaping in…

The possibility of alleviating migraine headaches by autogenic relaxation training, with or without hand temperature biofeedback, was assessed. The study examined five independent groups in a bi-directional control group design. Volunteer migraine sufferers served as subjects, each participating for 12 weeks. The first four weeks of the study were…

This paper explores the controversy surrounding gentle teaching, with particular reference to the relationship between gentle teaching and applied behavior analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed, and it is suggested that gentle teaching and applied behavior analysis need not be regarded as mutually exclusive…

Two theories, the closed loop model (divides self-regulation into self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self-reinforcement) and the non-mediational model (defines self-regulation as behavior that is controlled by its long-term and observable consequences), have been proposed to explain why behavior changes when self-monitoring occurs. Both…

Response-cost refers to a procedure whereby a positive reinforcer is lost or some penalty is invoked following a specific misbehavior. In an alternate procedure called Differential Reinforcement of Other Responses (DRO), a reinforcing stimulus is delivered when a particular response is not emitted for a specific interval of time. This study…