Reviews research on the effects of repeated experiences of helplessness and on locus of control. Identifies conditions necessary for overcoming learned helplessness; i.e., the potential for learning to occur; consistent reinforcement; relevant, valued reinforcers; and favorable psychological situation. Recommends eight ways for teachers to…

Determined the effectiveness of a voluntary educational program on the drinking attitudes and behaviors of college students (N=1,000). Survey results revealed that for those subjects who participated in the program, there was a significant improvement in their drinking attitudes and behaviors. (Author/RC)

Describes behavioral procedures used with adolescent students which involved manipulating type and delay of reinforcement, teaching desirable behaviors, and training in several skills. Implemented procedures through an independent group-oriented contingency system. These students performed significantly better on grades, school attendance, and…

Uses case examples to illustrate how cognitive-behavioral interventions can be applied to social work situations. Suggests by emphasizing the interaction of personal and environmental realities in influencing change, a cognitive-behavioral perspective of human functioning can provide a useful theoretical framework for direct practice in social…

Tested the efficacy of several programs using feedback about carbon monoxide as strategies for deterring experimentation with cigarettes in sixth-grade children (N=405). Compared to no-treatment controls, the only program to reduce experimentation with cigarettes was the information-only program. Several programs had increases in rates of…

A wide variety of health disciplines use proxy measures to determine the extent to which a given program has had an effect. A framework for obtaining proxy measures of behavior includes the components of: exposure; attention; comprehension; yielding; retention and retrieval; decision making; action; and continuation. (JN)

Urges more dialog between and integration of feminist and family systems theories in order to expand clinicians' flexibility and effectiveness. Considers points of conceptual and pragmatic convergence as well as divergence between the two perspectives. Highlights issues for development of a structural/strategic family systems model. (RC)

Discusses the goal of abstinence as a factor in the failure of drug education programs. Implications of this goal for society, the school, the drug educator, and the student are explored. (Author/RC)

The response-shift phenomenon is demonstrated in a typical classroom setting. Retrospective pre-ratings in self-report instruments are shown to yield more accurate estimates of pre-instruction knowledge than simple pre-ratings. (Author/CM)

Proposes a typology promoting a conceptual model that addresses the increased demand for use of group processes, continued effectiveness of leadership training programs, research issues regarding basic group dynamics, and generic models designed for the increased understanding of the myriad of group forms across the group spectrum. (Author)

Described is a study designed to effect a change in school-related attitudes (towards science and school lunch) using cognitive dissonance theory. Results support the idea that inducing students to engage in behavior considered desirable by others but not necessarily by the students themselves might change the attitude in question. (CS)

Describes a one-day workshop developed to deliver practical information on the relationship of diet and health to senior citizens in rural communities. Clinical information was provided as a stimulus to examine current eating patterns. Tools and techniques were presented to make dietary modifications selected by participants. (Author)

This study extends previous work in the use of descriptive reinforcement procedures to increase productivity of new forms in artwork. Subjects were four kindergarteners who demonstrated an absence of diverse forms in their paintings. Results indicated that form diversity was improved and that the improvement lasted over time. (SJL)

This study is an evaluation of the effect of a newspaper antilitter campaign directed toward heavily littered areas within a community. Newspaper publicity can affect the amount of litter present by identifying troublesome areas and providing feedback about the areas. (Author/SA)

Fantasy has proven successful in counseling situations in elementary schools. It can reduce fears, lower tension and test anxiety, inhibit acting-out behavior, bypass emotional blocks, help children find alternative behaviors, improve self-concept, elicit self-disclosure, and stimulate creativity. (Author)