Considerable evidence has demonstrated a critical role for the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the acquisition and flexibility of behavioral strategies. These processes are guided by the activity of two discrete neuron types, dopamine D1- or D2-receptor expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-/D2-MSNs). Here we used the IntelliCage, an automated…

Studies have shown that, to achieve a conceptual understanding of complex science topics, learners need to use self-regulated learning (SRL) skills, particularly when learning with Hypermedia Learning Environments (HLEs). Winne and Hadwin (2008) claimed that metacognition is a key aspect of SRL, particularly metacognitive monitoring and control.…

Adolescence is a developmental period that entails substantial changes in affective and incentive-seeking behavior relative to both childhood and adulthood, including a heightened propensity to engage in risky behaviors and experience persistent negative and labile mood states. This review discusses the emotional and incentive-driven behavioral…

The findings of this study are interpreted as providing a preliminary indication that self-reward strategies are superior to self-punitive and self-recording strategies in the modification of at least some habit patterns. (Author)

Four areas of procrastination discussed in this article are: (1) the perfection trap; (2) the need to avoid avoidance; (3) the completion trap; and (4) the failure to prioritize. Included are an explanation of each area, examples of reasons people put off tasks, and methods of coping with procrastination. (EM)

Ex-smokers (N = 61) who had stopped smoking as part of a televised "clinic" were assigned to either a tape-reinforcement or nonreinforcement condition and were followed up a month later. A self-regulated reward system can be an extremely cost-effective tool in preventing short-term recidivism among neophyte ex-smokers. (Author)

Investigates the efficacy of two behavioral self-control procedures as additions to the typical treatment for college students' study behavior--study skills advice. Predicted self-monitoring would be an effective treatment addition to study skills advice and study skills advice would be superior to the control groups. Results supported…

This study investigated the therapeutic feasibility of self-administered punishment of imagined behavior. With heavy-smoking males, the imagined-smoking treatment was the only highly effective therapy. It was significantly more effective than the placebo or actual-smoking treatments, and it replicated. (Author)

Behavioral self-management techniques offer counselors a viable consulting procedure for use within a classroom structure in which teachers and supportive staff are constantly being confronted with attending behavior problems. (Author)

Smokers (N = 90) were assigned to 10 treatment conditions; another 20 smokers were included in a no-apply control group. The treatment effects of aversive conditioning were negligible, and in some instances they were surpassed by the effects of controls for nonspecific treatment factors and placebo effects. (Author)

Investigated efficacy of combining rapid smoking aversion and training in self-control skills for maintaining nonsmoking. Results at the 13-week follow-up showed that the performance of the combined rapid smoking plus self-control program was not superior to rapid smoking plus disucssion. (Author)

The effectiveness of negative practice and self-control procedures were evaluated in isolation and in combination in the reduction of smoking behavior. Female smokers (N=50) were assigned to either of three treatment programs. Data provided evidence for the superiority of the combined treatment package. (Author)

After briefly reviewing the clinical outcome literature for both strategies, the article concludes with a discussion of the rehabilitative and preventive benefits that may be gained from a combination of the two techniques. (Author/AM)

College students, 48 males and 48 females, were interviewed about attempts to self-control overeating, smoking, studying, or dating. Results indicated successful self-controllers used more techniques for longer periods of time, use of self-reinforcement procedures was an important discriminant of successful self-management, and methods varied…

The role of the therapist was varied in a weight reduction program. When meetings with the therapist were "faded out" over the duration of the 10-week treatment period subjects lost significantly more weight compared to subjects who met with the therapist on a regular basis; both groups differed significantly from controls. Six months after…