Counseling strategies employed by practitioners have, by necessity, often been the result of subjective observation and intuition. This article discusses a "common sense" technique--the use of lay psychology books--and proposes guidelines for use of the procedure as a viable counseling strategy. (Author)

The primary purpose of the present study was to compare the relative efficacy of external-control and self-control procedures on both the production and maintenance of weight loss. (Author)

In an earlier article an accountability system in which effectiveness was defined in terms of changes in specific target behaviors was outlined. This article is a description of subsequent modifications in that system to include functional information and results obtained when applied to the entire population of children who received psychological…

Confrontation counseling and Reality Therapy have been promising in providing positive alternatives to drug abuse and methadone maintenance. (Author)

This experimental program patterned after the Outward Bound program revealed no significant changes in self-esteem although some anecdotal notes are reported. Measurement of changes in self-esteem may not lend itself to pre- and post-testing with standardized tests in the brief interval and a "sleeper effect" may exist. (Author)

Self-recording of behavior in behavior modification appears to be reactive, with the phenomenon having two components: actual changes in behavior as a function of self-recording and possible unreliability of self-observers. The present study was undertaken to differentially examine the reactivity and reliability of self-observations. (Author)

Low-risk, easily administered behavioral intervention can alter complicated physiologic activity. A case study in the treatment of epileptic seizures and a discussion of behavioral therapy is offered by a Boston University professor of psychology. (Editor/RK)

Treatment strategies for modifying peer relations of hyperactive children are described within the context of recent research on the components of social status in children. This information, though not as yet specifically identified for hyperactive children, is presented as offering the best chance of establishing maximally effective treatment…

The paper outlines the basic tactics in pro-active behavior management, a behavior modification approach for use with severely handicapped students which reorders the staff/student relationship by focusing on positive interaction. Pro-active behavior management is noted to involve interruption of established behavior chains, environmental…

The third and final paper in a series on underachievement presents a case study of a 12-year-old underachiever. The boy's family situation, psychological test results, and reactions to treatment (a combination of behavior modification, psychotherapy, and environmental manipulation) are recounted. (CL)

The case study reports the findings of systematic play training with a 7 year old autistic male who had never exhibited play behavior. The research procedure involved three phases: imitation training, training manipulative play, and motivation training. Training during the three phases was conducted three times per week for 7 1/2 months in a quiet…