The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) is one of the most successful technologies in modern times. In spite of well-argued critiques, the DSM and the idea of "mental illness" on which it is based flourish, with ever more (mis)behaviors labeled as brain diseases. Problems in living and related distress…

Adolescents are often resistant to interventions that reduce aggression in children. At the same time, they are developing stronger beliefs in the fixed nature of personal characteristics, particularly aggression. The present intervention addressed these beliefs. A randomized field experiment with a diverse sample of Grades 9 and 10 students (ages…

Addresses the value of behavioral techniques in relation to children's maladaptive fears. Summarizes how such techniques are used in the home, in school, and in health care settings; discusses theoretical explanations of the success of behavioral interventions. Outlines variables that may affect outcome of maladaptive fear prevention programs.…

Discusses use of hypnosis in traditional psychoanalysis, compares use of hypnosis in behavior modification therapy versus psychoanalysis, and presents a hypno-behavioral model which combines both approaches using hypnosis as the medium. (Author/NB)

The demand for therapy has increased 400 percent in the past three decades, noting that about 250 different therapies treat the one syndrome shared by all patients, namely, demoralization. Whether such therapies really work is the subject of this report. (JN)

Outlines both broad and specific treatment issues concerning elective mute children. A group treatment modality is presented, and its successes, limitations, and failures are noted with recommendations for avoiding pitfalls in treatment. Issues of cooperation with schools, families, and community organizations are also addressed. (JAC)

Reviews common problems experienced by clients during progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) and summarizes pertinent solutions to those problems. Discusses difficulties and solutions related to cognitive restructuring training. Notes that cognitive restructuring is often used to enhance effectiveness of PMRT. Concludes with suggestions for…

Describes ways of operationalizing clinically significant change, defined as extent to which therapy moves someone outside range of dysfunctional population or within range of functional population. Uses examples to show how clients can be categorized on basis of this definition. Proposes reliable change index (RC) to determine whether magnitude…

Describes a treatment approach for the symptom management of bulimia that is a synthesis of various techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, response prevention, relapse training, and psychodynamic therapy. The model has been a useful teaching tool for staff and patients in both group and individual formats. Addresses the challenges of…

Defines performance discrepancy as the difference between someone's actual performance and his desired performance and relates this to drinking and driving behavior. Promotes examination of environmental and psychological factors which affect performance discrepancy and the application of behavior modification techniques before the adult stage is…

Defines cognitive-behavioral counseling and addresses specific questions concerning the practical application of cognitive-behavioral group counseling. Looks at types of concerns addressed; considerations for structuring groups; techniques and relationship to group dynamics; social skills training; cognitive restructuring; coping skills and…

Suggests sociological method of group study, SYMLOG (Systematic Multiple Level Observation of Groups), as means for bringing elements of psychoanalytic and humanistic techniques into behavior therapy. Discusses numerous applications of SYMLOG. Sees SYMLOG as useful for both individual and group behavior therapy and as a way to facilitate social…

Discusses the use of group approaches when treating bulimia and outlines recommendations for more efficacious group treatment. Recommends a comprehensive approach to assessment and treatment. Notes that a cognitive-behavioral approach seems viable. (Author/ABB)

Discusses the use of cognitive behavioral techniques (cognitive restructuring, rational emotive therapy, and anger management) among college faculty. Each was successfully used in a treatment program for faculty at North Texas State University which emphasized reducing unnecessary expressions of Type A behavior while remaining productive and…

The multimodal model uses the acronym BASIC ID to identify areas of client functioning that frequently need to be treated. The D mode includes drugs, diet, and other physiological factors. This article describes the evolution of the D mode and shows the importance of a physiological dimension to multimodal counseling. (Author)