Two studies involving college students examined mechanisms responsible for observed self-reinforcement effects. Results seemed to support the view that self-reinforcement procedures work by setting a socially available standard against which performance can be evaluated. (CL)

A significant increase in correctly completed steps of the targeted behavior was noted for the independence-training group. (Author/DLS)

Self-reinforcement through positive or aversive covert imagery was studied in obesity treatment. Subjects were randomly assigned to no-imagery, self-punishment followed by self-reward, and self-reward followed by self-punishment conditions. Neither order nor kind of reinforcement made any difference. Both reinforcement groups were superior to…

Describes the extinction of demanding behaviors of a nine-year-old boy by placing responsibility for behavioral reinforcement directly under his own control. The therapist assumed that the behavioral pattern of the paranoid personality is characterized by an overdependence upon environmental reinforcers and therefore used the self-management…

Disruptive children in an after-school remedial reading class were taught to match teachers' evaluations of their behavior in the context of a token reinforcement program. (Editor)

Four experiments focused on ways children could be trained to imitate others in imposing on themselves higher performance standards in game situations. The study also attempted to determine whether this internal achievement motivation behavior would be transferred by the children to situations such as learning in a classroom. The subjects were 122…