A social behavior chaining technique was used to train three autistic students (ages 10-11) to respond differentially to requested and nonrequested objects. Results suggested control of the "give me" response by the requested object, a characteristic of a mand. Results are discussed in terms of the training technique to establish…

Examined the long-term outcome of broad-spectrum behavioral treatment for alcoholism and the relative effects of training controlled drinking skills. Showed no significant difference between groups on any dependent measure at the 5-6 year follow-up point. Analyzes the stability of drinking patterns and presents predictors of outcome at 5-6 years.…

To determine whether classroom meetings, as a form of group counseling, could be used to improve the behaviors and self-concepts of fourth-grade students, 45 experimental group students and 45 control group students participated in 20 weeks of meetings. Results indicated improvements in behavior but not in self-concept. (BL)

Assessed the impact of relaxation response on acting out behavior and self-concept of 21 elementary school students. Results indicated that students who practiced the relaxation response improved their ability to control acting out behavior and improved their self concepts when compared with students in the behavior charting control group.…

This study focused on identifying and classifying misbehaviors of mainstreamed students in vocational classrooms and laboratories. It also identified control techniques used by vocational teachers to resolve problems created by these misbehaviors. (Author/CH)

Discusses the importance of documenting training efforts. The article describes several measurements and indicators of skill levels and the need to identify the set of behaviors that reflect the desired attitudes. It also discusses setting up rewards for employees whose on-the-job behavior conforms to the behaviors that reflect quality…

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 purpose of this article is to facilitate a clearer understanding of both the concept of self-efficacy and its relevance for health education research and practice. Self-efficacy is first defined and distinguished from other related concepts. Next, studies of the self-efficacy concept as it relates to health practices are examined. (Author/CT)

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…

Investigated teachers' ratings of acceptability (i.e., whether psychological treatment is appropriate for a given problem), for positive and reductive behavioral interventions. Established that acceptability ratings varied with severity of target behavior, less time-consuming interventions were rated as more acceptable, and mean acceptability…

Demonstrated a set of research techniques that combine multidimensional scaling, a quantitative cognitive procedure, and a cost-outcome analysis to study subgroup behavior of obsessive-compulsives (N=12). Results indicated that obsessive-compulsives are underinclusive in their evaluation of stimuli during judgment task. (LLL)

Training for six behaviorally handicapped preschoolers consisted of initial instructions, modeling, and behavioral rehearsal, followed by teacher prompts and praise regarding sharing directly in a classroom free play period. Introduction of training in a multiple baseline design across three pairs of children resulted in substantial increases in…

In "Brighter Beginnings for Teachers," Pullen identifies the issues that send teachers screaming from the profession, including the primary problem of behavior management. The U.S. Department of Education reports that 30?50% of teachers quit the profession within the first 5 years, and that lack of preparation in classroom management is the…

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…