Adolescents' religious behavior, measured according to frequency of church attendance, Bible reading, and saying grace at mealtime, generally declined between 1964 and 1974 in the Texas community studied. In 1979, the trend continued among females but reversed among males. The gap between the sexes seems to have narrowed since 1974. (Author/MJL)

In two studies undergraduates with low self-esteem followed reinforcement paradigms. Found overt events to be preferable as reinforcers, although no differences existed between reinforcement groups and both did better than controls. Also found desirable behaviors that occurred infrequently, and very frequent but neutral behaviors, to be the most…

A human sexuality course was offered to students at the university level. It was hypothesized that the course would result in decreased levels of sex guilt and would increase permissiveness toward premarital sexual intimacy. Findings suggest a decreased level of sex guilt for males and an increase in females' attitudes of permissiveness. (JN)

This paper emphasizes the importance of parent education, particularly in our current rapidly changing society. The history of parent education is briefly reviewed and a new program called STEP, Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, is described. (Author)

Two studies measured the feasibility of DRO (differential reinforcement of other behavior) and VT (variable time) reinforcement in reducing body rocking stereotypy of institutionalized severely and profoundly retarded adults (N=2 and 5). (CL)

The "relocation syndrome" in 16 multiply handicapped, institutionalized mentally retarded residents (mean age 18 years) was examined in an observational study. Weight change and the initiation and duration of constructive and nonconstructive behavior were observed, as well as resident-staff interactions before and after relocation to a new living…

Discusses the impact of television on Cree Indians within the context of their culture. Traditional conceptions about communication cause the Cree to be susceptible to TV, take it literally, idolize the superhero characters, read special messages into it concerning behavior requirements, and to be concerned about its potential harm to children.…

A typology of marriages and other intimate relationships is offered based on seven behavioral profiles that partners can exhibit in their interactions with one another. The typology is relatively simple, based upon the main thrust of each partner's behavior in their dyadic system. (Author)

Examined continuity, stability, and change in behaviors reflecting infant reactivity and regulation. Subjects were 100 infants of 5 and 10 months old. Found that infant behaviors during frustrating situations showed both change and continuity, but the relationship between reactivity and regulation changed in that both factors became more…

A review of the use of psychotropic medications for people with developmental disabilities is presented. Results suggest that prescribing drugs based on topographical features of the problem behavior, without considering the function the behavior serves for the individual, contributes to variability in clinical response. Functional analysis of a…

Compared entrance and exit scores for 16 patients completing outpatient treatment for sex offenders. Statistically significant outcome measures and clinical improvements were obtained. Follow-up in 26 months yielded one reoffender. Results support the use of outpatient behavior therapy in reducing deviant sexual arousal and enhancing appropriate…

This review explores the cellular pathology associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its relation to neurobehavioral outcomes, the relationship of brain imaging findings to underlying pathology, brain imaging techniques, various image analysis procedures and how they relate to neuropsychological testing, and the importance of brain imaging…

Identifies the steps involved in changing behavior as a process over time: (1) becoming aware of desire to change; (2) announcing intentions and noticing actions; (3) recognizing detours and catching them during the act; (4) effecting change; (5) managing roadblocks; (6) reinforcing the changed behavior; and (7) completing the process of change.…

The importance of understanding the manner in which the desire to buy arises in buyers has been neglected in the study of consumer psychology. This report identifies those few research projects which have studied the origins of consumer motivation and describes a phenomenologically-guided investigation which studied individuals' desires to…