This monograph discusses using an approach based on perceptual control theory (PCT) to teach self-control to children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. PCT is described as a general approach to understanding self-regulated systems that relies on the theory that behavior controls an individual's perceptions rather than the…

The author explores the concept of behavior modification through self-reinforcement. This concept allows for greater responsibility for one's own behavior than other strategies. General techniques to alter behavior are presented, along with a detailed case history. (RP)

Investigated the effectiveness of coping strategies in undergraduate females reporting fear of flying. Self-reports of anxiety were obtained before takeoff, during flight, and after landing. Under serious threat with the cockpit door open, self-talk and combined subjects coped better. With the door closed, all groups increased in anxiety.…

Following trials in which children self-administered prizes, subjects in the stringent-demand group performed significantly better, during both the incentive and the extinction conditions, on time at task, number of correct problems, and number of problems attempted, than did subjects in lenient-demand and control groups. (Author/CP)

Discusses the purpose and applications of confrontation and describes a multi-stage technique used in an adolescent unit. Carefully outlines each of the six stages of the technique and reviews the predicted therapeutic effects for each stage. The model is intended to overcome adolescents' denial and teach them self-recognition skills. (RJM)

Examined cognitive-behavioral training procedures designed to enhance social problem-solving and impulse-control skills of delinquent adolescents. Explored multiple baseline design across subjects and tasks and an alternating-treatments design. Presented two different forms of hypothetical social problems to subjects (N=5). Results indicated…

The study examining the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral training program with 30 behaviorally disordered adolescents found participating students exhibited fewer aggressive behaviors and demonstrated greater self-control than nonparticipating students. The addition of an incentive for implementing the training strategies did not appear to…

Three developmentally normal adolescents with chronic hair pulling were treated with a simplified habit-reversal procedure consisting of awareness training, competing response training, and parental social support. Treatment resulted in immediate reduction to near-zero levels of hair pulling with one to three booster sessions. Results were…

A study examined the effects of progressive relaxation training on the disruptive behaviors of a 12-year-old boy with autism. The participant acquired progressive relaxation skills, displayed more relaxed behavior after performing the procedures, and showed a decrease in the duration of his disruptive behavior upon completing progressive…

A number of learning-based interventions for problem drinking have emphasized the importance of behavioral self-control skills to help manage responses to high-risk cues. Self-management interventions typically have been based on the premise that effective self-regulation involves the use of conscious, controlled strategies to override habitual…

Despite general trends for violence in marriage to escalate in frequency and intensity, there are some couples who, through their own efforts, stop being violent. Describes three such couples, with particular attention given to spouses' reports on the cessation of their violence. Discusses implications of these couples' experiences for the…

The review examines cognitive strategy training and self-instructional training with learning disabled children. Discrepancies between potential and performance, cognitive behavior modification, the promotion of active self-regulatory learning styles in arithmetic and reading, and methodological issues and future directions are discussed.…

Presents a case study involving the use of self-instructional training with an adolescent schizophrenic boy. Changes initiated in his internal and external dialog with himself improved his self-control and task performance. (JAC)

Social learning theory provides a complex scientific foundation for health education and can be used to improve health education research and practice. This foundation includes proven cognitive and behavioral constructs and techniques for promoting health behavior changes. (JN)

Reports a follow-up of a behavioral self-control treatment of children's severe night fears. All but one of 40 children and their families significantly reduced or overcame night fears in a three-week training program. After three years, 31 of 34 families located had maintained improvement. (JAC)