Health educators can play a significant role in the development of students' mental health. Key concepts identified for the mental health curriculum include: (1) an understanding of the student's self esteem; (2) values clarification and decision making; and (3) health counseling. (JN)

A weight control program for a group of eighth-grade girls, which included learning disabled students, was developed to change eating, exercise, and behavior patterns. The course included dietary management, physical activity, and behavior modification techniques. Results show that the students participating in the program decreased their weight…

Presents a case study demonstrating successful behavioral treatment of a depressed older man using group and conjoint therapy. Two major issues in dealing with the aged are addressed: dealing with resistance to therapy, and distinguishing between disability due to organic brain syndrome and that due to depression. (Author/RC)

A computerized health profile model was developed to help adolescents clarify their values about health and health practices. Results indicate that the profile was effective in involving adolescents in making positive decisions about their health. (JN)

Results indicate equivalent levels of patient performance when contingent reinforcement in a residential token economy program was controlled by either patient peer groups or staff. Patients in a peer-managed program showed positive ward behavior, reductions in psychosocial problems, and increase in potential for adjusting to community life.…

Visual feedback and ratio scheduling of pay were utilized to train the relationship between work and piece rate for five severely mentally retarded workers. Results show a statistically significant gain in production during training, and a larger gain during the second baseline period when the visual feedback was removed and clients were paid on…

Teachers are in constant search of new and better methods for bringing learning experiences to their students. A model to assist the teacher in selecting different classroom teaching methods defines the purpose of schooling, the learning process, and the learner and selects an appropriate and compatible teaching method. (JN)

College students on probation were paid to participate in a project designed to improve grades. Some were given instruction in self-control and self-administered behavior modification programs. Total study time, estimated effective study time, and grade point averages increased for self-control subjects but not for others. (Author)

School psychologists and elementary school teachers were shown videotapes of a psychologist consulting with a teacher, with the psychologist using either behavioral or mental health consultation techniques. In general, teachers preferred behavioral consultation, while psychologists rated the mental health consultation as more effective. (Author)

Presents modifications of cognitive-behavioral therapy with children who are reluctant to undergo counseling. Outlines the use of games and workbooks which can increase flexibility and creativity and which can augment counseling sessions by making them fun. Includes a list of games and workbooks with age-level guidelines. (RJM)

A study evaluated a therapeutic intervention program for young adults with severe autism at the Oasi Institute in Troina, Sicily. The program, which integrates gentle teaching, humanistic applied behavior analysis, and functional communication training, provides opportunities to acquire functional skills through errorless learning activities.…

This article explores research on the use of touch with people with mental retardation and learning disabilities for the purpose of developing a staff training package. The review indicates the therapeutic role of touch and its use in behavior management and discusses the need for increasing staff awareness of the practice with this group of…

Assessed effects on undergraduate students (N=54) of direct (induced affect) and generalized (covert rehearsal) cognitive-behavior coping skills programs for test anxiety. Found both training procedures significantly reduced test anxiety but that induced affect yielded largest anxiety decrease and greatest test performance improvement while covert…

Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral group programs for weight control were effective among 32 college women in reducing weight and alleviating depressed mood, fear of negative evaluations, and social avoidance and distress. Addition of cognitive restructuring component failed to improve efficacy of behavioral weight control program even on…

Development of effective cognitive-behavioral training approaches for students with learning handicaps in academic domains, such as spelling, requires greater concern for teachers' knowledge of the academic domain, as well as their pedagogical expertise in finely and precisely adjusting their instructional use of language to communicate that…