The nature and value of behavior modification depends, crucially, on what assumptions one makes about human nature and the explanation of human behavior. It is very easy for a teacher practicing behavior modification to assume unquestioningly a deterministic view of human nature. (RM)

Is there more disruptive behaviour in schools today? The simple answer to this often asked question is probably yes. But the reasons lie more outside teenagers than inside. For too many teachers there can be an attitude of: "I was a teenager once, therefore I know what it is like." We all develop in a unique time and the issues are unique to that…

This report reviews 23 controlled studies of the effect of food dyes and other dietary constituents on the behavior of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other behavioral problems. Findings indicate 17 of the 23 studies found evidence that some children's behavior significantly worsens after they consume artificial…

Suggests that the problem of effective care of diabetes mellitus presents an opportunity for the emerging field of health psychology. Discusses behavioral interventions that aid in treatment of this disease by reducing its energy mobilizing effects on the nervous system. (Author/AOS)

The diagnosis and treatment of a 13-year-old female who manifested postencephalitic behavioral syndrome 9 years after an acute measles infection are described, along with the history of the case. The case illustrates that an interdisciplinary approach using a single-case experimental design can be clinically effective. (SEW)

Teachers can help learning and behavior disordered students in middle and secondary grades develop self control through a strategy in which students are taught to stop, look, listen, and think before carrying out a task. The final step is to reinforce themselves. (CL)

Telephone home survey can be used to identify child behavior problems accurately and assess their frequencies and setting conditions for "normal" children. This technique appears to provide reliable information useful in the design of community-targeted behavior management packages. (CMG)

Timeout from positive reinforcement is frequently used by special educators for dealing with undesired student behavior. Six types, or levels, of response contingent timeout found in the literature are as follows: planned ignoring, reduction of response maintenance stimuli, planned ignoring plus restraint, contingent observation, exclusion, and…

Examined the effects of daily report cards designed to increase the completion and accuracy of in-class assignments in two youngsters described as having a behavioral history of difficulty in completing seat work. Use of the procedure produced immediate significant changes in rates of both completion and accuracy. (Author)

Annual controlled outcome results revealed that the program led to significant and consistent reductions in expulsions, suspensions, and grade failure, and variable, often significant, gains in attendance and achievement. (Author)

Historical events in the development of cognitive-behavior therapy with children are reviewed. Suggestions are offered for areas which might be valuable for therapists to consider in the 1980s. (Author/GK)

Consistent, unemotional use of timeout, without ancillary punishers, is shown to result in typical extinction curves (rather than the steeper gradient of punishment curves) for both autistic and mentally impaired children with widely different abrasive behaviors. Dangers of punishment and the therapeutic value of reduced environmental stimulation…

Cases of deviant child behavior were described to 88 undergraduate students along with four different treatments (reinforcement of incompatible behavior, time out from reinforcement, drug therapy, and electric shock). Reinforcement of incompatible behavior was more acceptable than other treatments which followed, in order, time out from…

Three behavioral approaches to the management of behavior problems in the classroom are discussed. (PHR)