Presents young women's story of growing up in the New York group home system. Recounts how the friendship of one young woman helped transform her from an angry youth to one with direction and purpose. (Author/JDM)

Examines "social norms" marketing, an effort by several colleges and universities to encourage healthy student behaviors by countering perceptions of unhealthy "cool" behaviors and stressing the positive behaviors of "most" students. Examples of posters and other marketing strategies are from Virginia Commonwealth University, Gustavus Adolphus…

Tests predictions based on reactance theory, postdecisional regret, and language expectancy theory in a study altering logical style (inductive versus deductive) and language density in messages to parents advocating family sun safety. Finds influence of message varies by stage of progression to action, which has implications for tailoring health…

Uses a theoretic model of attention to messages to guide a series of laboratory/field experiments involving mass media, classroom instruction, and health interventions. Draws on individual differences in need for novelty as a basis for identifying target audiences likely to engage in health-risk behaviors and as a guide for designing messages…

A 6-month follow-up study of 176 physicians who attended a breast cancer lecture/workshop found that 92 changed practice regarding tamoxifen; many now performed risk assessments on all patients. Barriers to change included lack of colleague consensus, lack of time for assessment and patient counseling, and lack of insurance reimbursement. (SK)

The use of sleep scheduling and a daytime routine for the treatment of circadian rhythm disorder was found helpful in decreasing a blind 2-year old's nighttime wake periods and daytime sleepiness. (DB)

A functional assessment of tantrum behaviors of two students (ages seven and nine) with severe mental retardation found that the function of the behavior was to gain attention rather than to avoid or escape demands. Intervention, based on the positive reinforcement hypothesis, resulted in a substantial reduction of tantrums for both subjects.…

The principle of "behavior traps" to change student behavior is explained, and examples of 25 such "traps" are suggested. The "traps" lure the child into a "success circle" of increasing positive knowledge and skills. Examples include incorporating student interests in heroes, special interests, and clubs into curricular activities; utilizing…

The placement histories of 415 youth in foster care in San Diego, California, were analyzed together with behavior problems identified by the Child Behavior Check List. Results suggest that volatile placement histories contribute negatively to both internalizing and externalizing behavior of foster children. Initial externalizing behaviors were…

This review discusses the history of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and summaries findings from treatment research. It describes the use of NCR as a control procedure, NCR as a function-based treatment, considerations in the programming of NCR schedules, behavior-change mechanisms underlying NCR effects, and directions for future research.…

Explains three possible behavioral functions of child noncompliance in the classroom: (1) attention-seeking, (2) mild escape/avoidance, and (3) extreme aversion. Each function is delineated in terms of its environmental effect and behavioral indicators. Educational and treatment implications are discussed for each function. (Author/DB)

The purpose of this study was to define and review the daily report card (DBRC) as a monitoring and/or intervention technique. In general, it has been suggested that DBRCs may be feasible, acceptable, and effective in promoting a positive student. Despite the appeal of using DBRCs, widespread endorsement cannot be made without caution. (Author)

Examined the cardiovascular health profiles of hospital employees participating in an incentive screening program for 4 years. The program involved cardiovascular screenings, results counseling, and encouragement to participate in education and behavioral support programs. Cardiovascular health improvements related to long-term program…

A literature review found 12 studies using educational interventions for physicians regarding hypertension. Interventions such as reminders improved follow-up care but were ineffective in changing blood pressure levels. The success of interventions may depend on the aspect to be changed and their feasibility in a particular setting. (Contains 35…

Standardized assessment instruments and direct observation data were collected pre- and post-administration (2 weeks after administration) on the effects of secretin on a 4-year-old boy with autism. No changes in communication functioning, occurrences of stereotypic behavior, or social interaction were observed. A 3-month follow-up indicated no…