Observable behavior change is a more useful goal in counseling than self-acceptance or self-understanding. Goals should be stated as specific behavior changes desired by each client, compatible with the counselor's values, and externally observable. Behavioral goals would result in: (a) a clearer anticipation of what counseling could accomplish,…

This review of the research literature focuses on processes that Cautela (1972a) has called covert conditioning and Mahoney, Thoresen, and Danaher (1972) have called covert behavior modification. Both of these terms refer to processes for changing behavior through imaginal responses. Two general strategies have been employed. One has been to…

A game designed to teach some of the skills used in behavior modification with slow learners was evaluated. The game, called "Modifying," was developed to increase the range of experience for students preparing to be special education teachers. A randomized, posttest-only design was employed. The design incorporated three treatments:…

Clients (N=16) were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either individual or group treatment. Treatment consisted of relaxation training followed by viewing 45 videotaped vignettes depicting graduated sexual behaviors. Improvement remained stable through a one-year follow-up. Control clients showed no improvement and trends toward…

The article discusses the applied and clinical importance of the relationship between verbalizations and relevant behavior (i.e., between what people say and what they do). The analysis of verbal regulation in correspondence training has the theoretical complexity and sufficiency of the operant analysis of antecedents, behaviors, and consequences.…

Treatment involving verbal reprimands, physical restraint, response interruption, and positive practice overcorrection resulted in rapid and dramatic decreases in the levels of pica and self-stimulation of a 4-year-old profoundly retarded girl. (CL)

The authors review research on techniques to change social behavior, ranging from relatively simple manipulations of antecedent and consequent conditions to complex instructional "packages" involving didactic, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback procedures and examine issues involved in generalization of social skills training as well as ethical…

A combination of an avrsive taste, a standard command, and a novel cueing signal was found to be the most effective and efficient method of reducing maladaptive mouthing behavior in three four- to seven-year-old deaf/blind school children. (Author/MC)

This classic book presents the basic principles of behavior emphasizing the use of preventive techniques as well as consequences naturally available in the home, business, or school environment to change important behaviors. This book, and its companion piece, "Measurement of Behavior," represents more than 30 years of research and strategies in…

Two case studies are presented in which contingency contracting, a form of behavior modification, was successfully used to increase school attendance. The author delineates four positive aspects of this approach: (1) it is economical; (2) responsibility is placed on the student; (3) parents can be included in the contract, giving them some…

Two disruptive adult behaviors, arriving late to class and not remaining in class, were significantly changed by changes in the reward structure. Implications are considered for the use of behavior modification approaches in designing more effective learning environments for disadvantaged adults. (Author/AG)

A model combining a behavioural approach with Reality Therapy was used effectively in controlling a group of behaviour problems in the classroom. In this design the children earned and/or lost certain rewards depending on their daily classroom behaviour. Some difficulties that may arise, and suggested solutions to these, are discussed. (Author)

Unemployment is seen as unadaptive behavior, and its antecedent conditions are examined. Behavioral counseling tactics of goal setting, contingency management, counterconditioning procedures, and social systems intervention are considered in relation to the employment counselor's repertoire of potential helping responses. A hypothetical case is…