This paper demonstrates how the proper use of the relaxation process may: (1) make the counseling experience more fruitful and pleasant; (2) facilitate the maximum functioning of the client; (3) reduce physical and emotional tensions; (4) create a physical condition more conducive to attacking other problems; (5) clear the mind for clear and…

Repeated measures of the frequency of paper towel litter, unflushed toilets, dirty sinks, and running water faucets were used to evaluate effectiveness of contingent teacher praise for appropriate bathroom use by preschool children. Contingent praise for appropriate bathroom behaviors resulted in markedly decreased frequencies of four target…

Highlights findings from three research studies. These studies focused on: (1) a comparison of various types of preschool day care; (2) infants as young as 14 months old who performed deferred imitation; and (3) a behavior modification technique called "guided mastery." (DH)

Six third-grade subjects who were selected by peers' sociometric ratings, teacher rating, and observation of six social skills, received social skills training, and individual and group intervention. Ss' behavior were shaped in skill areas to approximate average peer rate, with resulting increase in sociometric ranking and teacher rating.…

The thesis of this model is that the delinquent and predelinquent adolescent often either makes unfortunate life decisions or fails to make them at all, because: 1) he lacks specific data about himself and his settings, and 2) because he lacks critical decision-making skills. (Author)

Creating a classroom of attentive learners takes more than swift discipline. "Difficult Behavior" can help inspire positive behavioral change and healthy, productive development. Following Acknowledgments, About the Author and Introduction, the book is divided into five sections. Part I, The Role of Discipline, includes: (1) Discipline in…

This report summarizes the procedures and results from a 3-year research project that investigated the reciprocal sequence of interaction behaviors between teachers and students around disruptive behaviors in general education classrooms. The study was conducted in six elementary and two middle schools serving relatively large numbers of students…

The effectiveness of behavioral consultation with secondary-age students is evaluated. A differential reinforcement of low rates procedure is applied within the context of an independent group contingency to decrease negative verbal interactions of adolescents in a resource room setting. (PN)

In this study, 11 males with autism and mental retardation were administered risperidone. Substantial clinical improvement was noted almost immediately; patients with aggression, self-injury, explosivity, and poor sleep hygiene were most improved. The modal dose for optimal response was 0.5 mg bid. Weight gain was a significant side effect.…

Describes a training module that helps teachers and others working with children to address challenging behaviors. Discusses ways to assess problem behaviors, elements that influence behavior, and components of functional assessment. Offers questions that can help decode behavior. (RJM)

Describes a series of experiments designed to identify why the classroom use of timeouts sometimes failed. Results indicate that both treatment integrity and the function of student behavior problems were related to treatment success and failure. Discusses implications for the function of student behavior problems, treatment selection, and other…

Describes a graduated reentry behavioral intervention to treat a child with school refusal. Following a multimethod evaluation, an initial graduated exposure to school combined with positive reinforcement for staying in school was chosen. The mother's influence prompted a change to rapid exposure to school, which proved effective. (RJM)

Researches the efficacy of reality therapy and solution- focused brief counseling with elementary school students engaging in off-task behavior and demonstrates the utility of a single- participant design in conducting counseling research. Significant positive changes in the on-task behaviors of the students resulted from both approaches.…

This article introduces the use of nonaversive behavior management with persons exhibiting undesirable behaviors. Definitions are suggested and three fundamental elements are explained: (1) a nonaversive set of procedures; (2) social validation criteria emphasizing personal dignity; and (3) the prohibition or restriction of certain aversive or…

Three severely mentally retarded adolescents who exhibited repetitive hand movements were assessed during baseline (reinforcement for on-task behavior) and sensory change (rings on fingers of both hands, rings and reinforcement, and faded rings) conditions. Sensory change effectively reduced the target responses for up to four hours. (Author/JDD)