Exposure to an enriched environment (EE) has been shown to induce cortical plasticity. Considerable amount of research is focused on the effects of EE in the hippocampus; however, effects of EE on other brain regions and the mechanisms involved are not well known. To investigate this, we induced cortical plasticity by placing mice in an EE for one…

We evaluated contact desensitization (reinforcing approach responses) as intervention for specific phobia with a child diagnosed with autism. During hospital-based intervention, the boy was able to encounter previously avoided stimuli. Parental report suggested that results were maintained postdischarge. (Contains 1 figure.)

In this article, the authors present a multilevel (or hierarchical linear) model that illustrates issues in the application of the model to data from meta-analytic studies. In doing so, several issues are discussed that typically arise in the course of a meta-analysis. These include the presence of non-zero between-study variability, how multiple…

Program evaluation shows that a mixed behavioral format emphasizing practice situations produces results similar to traditionally operant or desensitization formats, with less attrition in attendance. Statistically significant changes on fear inventory scores is the measurable outcome of the program. (Author)

A person who lacks confidence in communicating is viewed as slightly neurotic, possessing a general trait of high anxiety. The person tends to avoid interaction situations and does not initiate interactions. As a consequence, he or she probably has poor social relations and low self-concept, feels alienated from others, and finds it difficult to…

Encourages professionals in helping relationships to explore and experience biofeedback training for voluntary self-regulation. A sample biofeedback training program is described. Observations of participants in biofeedback programs are presented. (Author/BW)

The self-management of thoughts and mental images was used in a series of empirical case studies to influence behavior changes. The target behaviors in the cases reported were smoking, overeating, fingernail biting, thinking self-depreciative thoughts, and responding assertively. Self-monitoring, covert positive reinforcement, covert…

A 2-year follow-up questionnaire was sent to subjects originally tested by Rosen, Glasgow, and Barrera. Initial treatment gains for self- and therapist-directed desensitization subjects were maintained. Posttest behavior approach scores were not predictive of real-life behavioral change as reported at follow-up. (Author)

Described is a procedure for the reduction of stuttering behavior by means of reality confrontations in structure verbal exchanges, which has been used by the author as treatment with over 200 adolescent stutterers. (Author/IM)

Administered intravenous infusions to phobic patients prior to systematic desensitization. Saline-infused subjects significantly demonstrated the predicted symptom decrease in response to systematic desensitization, whereas naloxone-infused subjects showed no change. Subject reports and psychophysiological measures of arousal indicated no…

Compared neuro-linguistic programing treatment for anxiety with self-control desensitization of equal duration and a waiting-list control group in treating public speaking anxiety. Results indicated that neither treatment was more effective in reducing anxiety than merely waiting for one hour. (Author/MCF)

Argues that several features of the child's developing physical, psychological, and behavioral character suggest some interventions are efficacious and some are less efficient or counterproductive. Illustrations are drawn from pertinent literature on such topics as systematic desensitization, cognitive-behavioral self-control therapy,…

A group cognitive modification treatment was effective in significantly reducing test anxiety as assessed by (a) test performance, (b) self-reports and (c) grade point average. (Author)

In keeping with a learning theory approach, it is postulated that fear of examinations was a learned maladaptive pattern of behavior. Therefore, counter-conditioning through progressive relaxation and systematic desensitization was utilized to eliminate the maladaptive response in this case. (Author)