Although theoretical work has suggested that reciprocal behavior patterns between parent and child may be important in the development of childhood anxiety, most empirical work has failed to consider the bidirectional nature of interactions. The current study sought to address this limitation by utilizing a sequential approach to exploring…

The current study evaluated the use of various behavioral measures of running away with regard to (a) the differential utility of interval- versus event-based measures, (b) the differential utility of rate versus duration measures, (c) the utility of correcting for occurrence opportunity, and (d) the influence of unit of analysis (i.e.,…

Although previous research indicates that certain types of attention (i.e., statements related to behavior, tickles) may be differentially reinforcing, only one or two forms of attention are typically provided contingent on problem behavior during the attention condition in experimental functional analyses. In the present investigation, various…

The authors suggest that line graphs that average response frequency over long periods obscure the major rate changes that indicate sources of behavioral control. A scatter plot can make patterns of responding identifiable and, in turn, suggest environmental features that occasion undesirable behavior. Use of scatter diagrams is illustrated in…

Four experiments with six students with multiple profound disabilities examined the function of behavioral stereotypies and sensory modalities maintaining them. Findings are discussed in terms of the sensory and social reinforcers that maintain stereotypy, assessment procedures used to identify reinforcers, and the interpretation of assessment…

Discusses the lack of thorough behavioral assessments prior to treatment interventions and describes a sequenced, structured format for conducting a comprehensive behavioral analysis. The procedures for the assessment are described, including recording observations, organizing information to clarify recurring patterns, interpreting observations,…

Functional assessment is redefining the standards for clinical interventions with problem behavior and reemphasizing the importance of basic behavioral mechanisms. It has shown the importance of complex patterns of behavioral control, functional assessment as an ongoing process, and the importance of attention to antecedent variables. Future…

An approach is outlined involving ratings on bi-polar "temperament" dimensions of behaviors which a child may display. These data are then subjected to a cluster analysis which displays correspondences graphically, in a form which can be discussed directly. An example of coping with crying babies is provided. (Author/CL)

This study evaluated a method for assessing the behavioral function of severe self-injury in four adults with severe/profound mental retardation. Initial assessment included analyzing within-session trends and fluctuations in rates of self-injury by plotting the frequency within each minute of the session. (DB)

Three experiments were conducted with two participants with mental retardation that displayed property destruction and stereotypy. The experiments assessed the function of the responses, determined their relationship, and developed a treatment to reduce property destruction. Response blocking reduced property destruction (and attempts), prevented…

A study attempted to replicate a previous study that presented reliability data from recordings of behavior state using a 13-category coding system. Replication was unsuccessful. Obtained mean percentage agreement on occurrence for individual behavior state and participants (n=34) ranged across observer pairs from 0 to 58 percent. (Contains 13…

This study compared parental assessments of problem behaviors among 81 alleged sexual abuse victims and 90 nonabused comparison subjects. Findings indicated that sexual abuse victims exhibit more problem behaviors, but caution must be exercised when interpreting individual behaviors because of their frequency in a nonabused sample. (Author/JDD)

Described is an ecological assessment technique which combines an ecological philosophy with a teacher centered method of data collection for assessing and intervening with the learning disabled or behaviorally disordered child and his environment. (DB)

Historical data and information regarding present functioning (including a neurodevelopmental assessment) were collected on 79 preschool children with behavioral and developmental problems. When compared with a matched cohort of children from the community, the clinic population had a higher incidence of developmental concerns. Journal…

A large-scale analysis was conducted of problem behavior by observing 20 individuals living in residential facilities. Data were converted into scatter plot formats. When the data were transformed into aggregate "control charts," 12 of 15 sets of data revealed 30-minute intervals during which problem behavior was more likely to occur.…