Describes how adventure therapy can be adapted to help individuals suffering from bulimia develop effective coping mechanisms, increase self-esteem, and gain appreciation for their bodies. Goal is for participants to recognize compulsive behavior in relation to their attitudes and to understand underlying processes that lead to those behaviors and…

A fluency therapy process for adolescents who stutter is described and illustrated by a case history that applies a four-stage process for structuring, targeting, adjusting, and regulating behaviors. The affective, behavioral, and cognitive components of fluency are considered, along with behavior techniques for eliciting a feeling of fluency…

This article discusses the successes of behavior analysts in affecting challenging behaviors in persons with developmental disabilities. Three future issues are then addressed: the development of challenging behaviors, the role of rule-governance in challenging behavior, and the behavior of persons who directly apply functional assessment and…

Two field experiments were conducted in the Business Information Technology Department of a major retail industry to analyze the impact of positive task performance reinforcers. The employees were divided into two broad groups--those performing complex tasks and those performing relatively simpler tasks. The first group was further divided into…

This paper is intended to assist people who work with persons having mental retardation to better understand what life is like for these individuals. The recommended training program is based on a case study approach, with guided experiences in small study groups led by trained leaders. Principles of training for group leaders are identified,…

Self-efficacy is defined as the belief that one can successfully perform a behavior. Self-efficacy theory asserts that self-efficacy expectancies exert powerful influence on behavior and behavior change. The Self-efficacy Scale, which was developed to assess generalized self-efficacy expectations, consists of two subscales: general self-efficacy…

An exploratory study investigated the success of a small group behavior change program in eliminating self-defeating behavior (SDB) in outpatients with chronic mental illness. Four of the six subjects were outpatients at the local mental health center but were currently not exhibiting psychotic behavior. The remaining two subjects were student…

A model to explain the adventure experience and to relate adventure experience to adventure education uses risk and competence as diagram axes with experimentation/exploration, adventure, peak adventure, misadventure, and disaster/devastation completing the framework. The model assumes that peak adventure, the point at which personal competence…

Because people are separate individuals, interpersonal conflict is inevitable. Social psychologists have studied this area by examining styles of conflict resolution such as negotiation/bargaining. Counseling psychologists have attempted to address these concerns through assertiveness and aspects of parenting training. However, no specific model…

Social psychologists have studied interpersonal conflict by examining styles of conflict resolution such as negotiation/bargaining. Counseling psychologists have attempted to address these concerns through assertiveness and aspects of parenting training. In a previous study, a three-component confrontation model--specified behavior, emotional…

The Type A behavior pattern is defined as an action-emotion complex that can be observed in any person who is aggressively involved in a chronic, incessant struggle to achieve more and more in less and less time, and if required to do so, against the opposing efforts of other things or persons. The dimensions of this coronary-prone behavior were…

A study investigated the differential relationship between children's involvement in an experiential health curriculum and past-reported health practices and changes in family health practices. The research is based on the assumption that established patterns of health practices in families are not immutable patterns, but are susceptible to change…

The approach used in two different public school systems to change white attitudes was discussed and evaluated at two conferences for public school educators in Maryland. One program discussed was conducted for a large suburban system with more than 160,000 students enrolled. The system had had many racial incidents over the years and was…

College students experiencing academic difficulties are a major concern to universities. Research has indicated that many underachievers display certain identifiable electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics. Unlike achieving students, underachievers often exhibit little EEG arousal during normally motivating tasks. These findings suggest that…

This paper presents a problem-solving process for stress management, which is based on the premise that the ability to manage stress is a survival skill necessary for parents if they are to provide a home environment conducive to children's social, emotional, and mental growth. The materials delineate a four-stage model for the: (1) identification…