Narrative is the basic mode of human interaction and a fundamental way of acquiring knowledge. In the rapidly growing field of health communication, narrative approaches are emerging as a promising set of tools for motivating and supporting health-behavior change. This article defines narrative communication and describes the rationale for using…

This study examined the effect of changing the instructional set for written disclosure on psychological and physical health reports among traumatized college students with current posttraumatic stress symptoms. Eighty-two participants were randomly assigned to one of three writing conditions that focused on emotional expression (EE), insight and…

This paper considers how urban, ethnically diverse working class girls' constructions of femininities mediate and shape their dis/engagement with education and schooling. We discuss how girls generated a sense of identity value/worth through practices such as "speaking my mind"--which prioritized notions of agency and visibility and…

This paper introduces a post-divorce therapy project in which therapists focus on communication patterns and help families resolve their problematic post-divorce situations by co-creating more useful ways of dealing with their disputes and conflicts. The paper also examines how therapists attempt to construct alternative relationships with and…

This parent and teacher guide considers discipline for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) who have difficulty with behavioral compliance. Discipline is defined primarily as "training to act in accordance with rules," and is not punishment but involves teaching self-control and observance of societal expectations. Controversy and…

On a daily basis, American television and radio audiences are subjected to a stream of broadcast Public Service Announcements (PSAs), each promoting "some kind of social or economic action deemed beneficial" (Stridsberg, 1977). Often, these announcements employ humor as a presentational device to help stimulate the behavioral change…

This document reports on a study to analyze the success of a revised health/wellness course at Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania). The research focused on two questions: (1) what increased knowledge and behavioral change students report once they have completed their health course; and (2) after a period of time, what students will say about the…

This guide provides information on best practices and guidelines for developing, managing, or changing behaviors without the use of aversive or punitive methods. The guidelines are based on regard for the dignity of the child, the attitudes of parents and school personnel, the knowledge that children learn best in a positive environment where they…

This guide describes classroom and school interventions intended to meet the needs of students with emotional/behavioral disabilities and those at risk for developing these disabilities. The first section presents "Classroom Interventions," a compilation of 77 interventions which may be used in regular or self-contained classrooms. A brief…

Emphasizing the use of communication training as the foundation for effective behavioral programming, this book explains how challenging behavior can be redirected into socially acceptable behavior through functional communication intervention. The book offers hands-on assessment and intervention strategies that can be used in school, home, work,…

Ways in which organizations can enhance their use of "360-degree feedback" are presented. The book begins with a review of the process itself, emphasizing that 360-degree feedback should be a core element of self-development. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 describes how to maximize the value of the process for individual…

Intended for parenting classes of parents of young children having difficulty with discipline, this leader's guide and videotape paint a dramatic picture of the wrong way to discipline children and give clear practical ideas of how to talk to children using encouragement and effective reprimands to change behavior. The first part of the guide…

This manual presents a training methodology for use in changing pivotal behaviors of children with autism or other severe handicaps. Behaviors specifically addressed for their far ranging effects involve motivation and responsivity to multiple cues. Seven instructional points are detailed with both good and poor implementation examples. The manual…

The purpose of this docoment is to help college students maintain health by keeping a weekly diary of health related behaviors including diet, exercise, and stress levels. In addition each weekly entry presents a self-care tip for health improvement. Discussions of the college student and health, health and lifestyle, instructions on use of the…

A motivational plan to reduce bus discipline referrals in a K-5 elementary school is presented in this practicum paper. Methodology involved observation of student behavior on 13 buses, pre- and post-tests administered to third- through fifth-graders, and document analysis of student misconduct citations and bus conduct reports. Referral…