A review of 158 applied behavior analysis studies with children as subjects, published in the "Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis" between 1980 and 1990, found that (1) 16% measured the accuracy of independent variable implementation, and (2) two-thirds did not operationally define components of the independent variable. Specific recommendations…

This essay examines the late B. F. Skinner's work as a scientist, psychologist, polemicist, and poet. The human psyche is seen to be a confederation of various aspects (e.g., cognition, affection, conation). Skinner's scientific exclusion of inner-life phenomena from his behavioral science is seen as paradoxical. Implications for educational…

Outlines six components that can be used as evaluation criteria for weight loss programs: (1) weight loss; (2) maintenance of weight loss; (3) self-efficacy; (4) behavior modification; (5) attrition; and (6) exercise. Indicates that the program that satisfies requirements of all six categories has the best chance of success. (JOW)

Determined recidivism of 136 extrafamilial child molesters who had received phallometric assessment in maximum security psychiatric institution from 1972-83. Over 6.3 year followup, 31 percent were convicted of new sex offense, 43 percent committed violent or sexual offense, and 58 percent were arrested or returned to institution. Behavioral…

Summarizes data pertaining to separate and combined effects of cognitive-behavioral and psychopharmacologic treatments for obesity and bulimia nervosa. Anorexiant medication appears to enhance restraint and facilitates weight loss with behavioral interventions in the treatment of obesity, but relapse occurs once medication is withdrawn.…

Disputes Jacobson's characterizations (1991) of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) and insight-oriented marital therapy (IOMT) delivered in Snyder, Wills, and Grady-Fletcher's (1991) comparative treatment study. Presents data showing that treatments were as effective or more so than previously published marital therapy outcome studies. Suggests that…

Assigned 57 subjects meeting criteria for generalized anxiety disorder to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), behavior therapy (BT), or a waiting-list control group. Made assessments before treatment, after treatment, and six months later. Results showed a consistent pattern of change favoring CBT in measures of anxiety, depression, and cognition.…

Presents the rationale for applying a relapse prevention model in the treatment of sexual offenders. First, a general model formulated from the cognitive/behavioral treatment of addictive behaviors is described and then guidelines are provided for the application of this model to the treatment of sexual offenders. (Author)

When used correctly, timeout is a successful discipline technique for children who are exhibiting hurtful or destructive behaviors. The paper describes essential elements for an effective timeout and explains how some timeouts do not work because of elements that parents have added or neglected. (SM)

Nondirective, applied relaxation, and cognitive behavioral therapies for generalized anxiety disorder were compared. Nondirective created the greatest depth of emotional processing. Follow-up results indicated losses in gains in nondirective, maintained gains for applied relaxation and cognitive behavioral. The highest endstate functioning was for…

Identifies theories underlying major types of cognitive programs and describes limitations of approaches that seek to change the way children think and behave. Focuses on current practices in cognitive therapy, future directions in cognitive therapy, the nature of performance deficits, and integrating cognitive and behavioral techniques. (RJM)

This article discusses issues related to the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) with students who have autism-related disabilities. These include: implementation forms, outcome expectations, exclusive versus selective use of ABA, time-related considerations, and personnel requirements for effective ABA implementation, evaluation, and…

Recent experiments are reviewed in three areas of research concerning reinforcement schedules: (1) behavioral history effects on schedule performance; (2) the role of instructions in schedule performance of humans; and (3) dynamic schedules of reinforcement. The paper concludes by identifying some general issues concerning reinforcement schedules…

Teaching the cognitive behavior modification technique of self-instruction to students with learning disabilities involves seven steps: (1) cognitive modeling; (2) overt external guidance; (3) overt self-guidance; (4) modeling of faded overt self-guidance; (5) fading overt self-guidance; (6) modeling of covert self-instruction; and (7) covert…

Preadolescents with hyperfunctional voice disorders may respond readily to behavioral voice therapy based on education, voice conservation strategies, direct vocal function exercises, family and peer support, and relaxation. Treatment should focus on integration of health respiration, phonation, and vocal tract resonance to achieve improved…