Describes the organizing concepts and strategies for the development and evaluation of self-help behavioral treatment manuals. Reviews programs that have been published or empirically tested for the treatment of phobias, smoking, obesity, sexual dysfunction, assertiveness, child behavior problems, study skills, and physical fitness, as well as…

Evaluated two self-help behavior therapy books for stopping smoking against a minimal treatment program. Results indicated under self-administered conditions, the minimal treatment program was as effective as the behavior therapy books. On the self-report measures, therapist contact was associated with improved treatment outcome for the behavior…

Tested mildly depressed undergraduates (N=52) in treatment for depression using cognitive-behavioral, self-help manual. Results suggest that Holland's Realistic personality types are most successful in terms of reduction of depression scores, whereas Enterprising types are least successful in terms of attrition. Low superiority, high generalized…