The present study examined the efficacy of rational-emotive psychotherapy and systematic desensitization in the treatment of stuttering. Both therapies, making extensive use of in vivo behavioral assignments, were examined under the presence and absence of in vivo tasks. Results show that rational-emotive therapy was more effective in reducing…

The present study examined indirect effects of modifying appropriate classroom behavior by itself and academic performance by itself. Results show reinforcing appropriate behavior increased that behavior but produced little improvement in arithmetic performance. However, reinforcing arithmetic performance increased correct work and resulted in a…

The article briefly surveys evidence concerning the nature and extent of children's behavior problems in Northern Ireland, and the measures being taken to meet them. (Author/DLS)

The effect of particular foods on levels of hyperactivity, uncontrolled laughter, and disruptive behaviors was studied in an 8-year-old autistic boy. (Author)

During the DRL procedure, reinforcement was made available for inappropriate language that was less than a prescribed limit for each day. Data indicated that reinforcing low rates of behavior may be an effective alternative to the use of aversive contingencies to reduce the misbehavior of such children. (Author)

While behavior change procedures should not be viewed as a panacea, they do offer an attractive alternative for addressing many of the problems faced by secondary school teachers and administrators. (Author)

A teacher may be the first person to sense a potentially suicidal student through observing changes in behavior; it is important to realize the seriousness of the situation and to seek help for the disturbed child. (JD)

Describes group therapy techniques involving the whole family of a child with a behavior or learning difficulty. A direct question approach is used, with major responsibility for behavior change placed upon the family. The therapist's role is minimized and the influence of parent expectation on child behavior stressed. (BF)

The acceptability of behavioral treatment interventions is very important. Problem severity, treatment approach, time needed for treatment implementation, treatment integrity, effectiveness of treatment, and understanding are factors influencing acceptability. A model for conceptualizing the impact of acceptability on treatment compliance,…

Thirty learning disabled (LD) elementary students participated in weekly group counseling sessions for 10 weeks. When compared to a control group, results (based on teacher ratings and other measures) indicated that the intervention was beneficial in improving acting out and distractibility behaviors and one area of self-concept. (Author/JW)

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.…

A teacher of 15- and 16- year-old boys with moderate learning difficulties and behavior problems describes how a school drama activity improved the boys' self image and motivation. (CL)

This case study demonstrates the value of conceptualizing functional somatic disorders as operants. The subject, an adolescent girl, diagnosed as having a "hysterical neurosis," manifested the symptoms of incessant coughing and mutism. The cough and mutism were treated by extinction and shaping, respectively. Positive results were obtained.…