A differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) procedure employed alone, and then in combination with restitution and positive practice, did not produce clinically significant changes in the rate of disrobing. Subsequently, the use of DRO plus restitution and negative practice reduced frequency of disrobing to either zero or one episode per…

Male work releases receiving life-career management skill training exhibited substantial and significant pretherapy-posttherapy gains in all skill areas. Subjects receiving this intervention training with significant others achieved even greater gains. (Author/BEF)

Urges community psychologists to act as behavioral ecological matchmakers--a role entailing identifying individuals or groups desiring behavioral change and linking the target participants with networks of settings analyzed previously as facilitating the specified changes. (Author/DB)

Argues that behavior therapists are really ethical relativists and sometimes ethical skeptics. Ethical naturalism found in operant behavior therapy does entail ethical relativism. Other authors respond to these views. (Author)

A study of 2 boys (ages 11 and 16) with mental retardation and destructive behaviors investigated whether alternative stimuli identified through a choice assessment would substitute for attention in a noncontingent reinforcement procedure. Both continuous noncontingent access to attention and to the identified tangible item reduced destructive…

An Australian study implemented social skill and cooperative learning activities with 26 10- and 12-year olds. Case studies of six of the children after 10 weeks indicated that students became more socially aware and more skilled, as demonstrated by collaboration and on-task behavior. (JOW)

Four children (ages 2-12) with developmental disabilities and sleep disorders were provided with a consistent bedtime routine combined with a graduated extinction procedure for nighttime behavior problems. Treatment resulted in decreases in night wakings and disturbances, indicating the effectiveness of relatively simple behavioral interventions.…

A total of 179 intervention research studies published from 1988-92 on the remediation of challenging behavior of persons with developmental disabilities was reviewed for adherence to certain standards of practice. Results indicate meaningful improvements in the state of intervention literature. Areas of progress are noted and continuing deficits…

Presents the thesis that Consciousness-Based education, including the practice of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, can be a highly effective tool for reducing or eliminating violent behavior in schools. Reviews research demonstrating that practice of the technique reduces 23 identified risk factors for crime in four broad…

Time-out is an effective child deceleration technique. The Time-Out Grid is a simple heuristic tool illustrating the fundamental feature of an effective time-out intervention and subsequently guides those involved in the problem analysis and program evaluation phases of consultation. Provides specific procedural recommendations for classroom…

A study of three children (ages 3-9) with severe problem behavior investigated alternatives to the typical application of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) for problem behavior. Instead of using continuous access to reinforcers and extinction, the study found that an NCR schedule based on latency and NCR without extinction were more effective for…

A study examined the effects of a behavioral intervention and methylphenidate on inappropriate behavior and sleep disturbance displayed by a 6-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results showed the behavior intervention was effective in reducing inappropriate behaviors regardless of the presence or…

Presents a consultative model designed for providing behavioral supports to children with challenging behaviors. A rationale for the formation of behavioral support teams within school settings and strategies for promoting the on-going use of such a model are provided. The training of team members is also addressed. (Author/CR)

A functional assessment interview was conducted with care providers of 100 children (ages 2-5) with autism regarding reinforcement contingencies contributing to maintenance of disruptive behavior. Gaining access to perseverative activities and escaping demands while engaged in these activities frequently contributed to disruptive behavior in the…

In this exploratory study, the communicative process in conjoint behavioral consultation was investigated with a coding system designed to measure two dimensions of communication (i.e., influence and involvement). Results indicated that CBC meetings were characterized by a high degree of affiliation among participants; however, few significant…