Randomly assigned 54 body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) subjects to cognitive behavior therapy or no treatment. BDD symptoms were significantly decreased in therapy subjects and the disorder was eliminated in 82 percent of cases at posttreatment and 77 percent at follow-up. Subjects' overall psychological symptoms and self-esteem also improved. (RJM)

Evaluated the hypothesis that the apparent superiority of behavioral interventions among children is due to differences in the methodological quality of studies of behavioral and nonbehavioral treatments. Meta-analytic results found little support for this hypothesis. Because meta-analysis is a correlational technique, these results should be…

Presents observations on the negative behavior of school children, offers a rationale for the development of a failure identity, and provides practical ideas for helping children move to feelings of success and positive identity. Empathy and a willingness to realign adult expectations are suggested. (Author/LKS)

Compared the effectiveness of a school-home note with and without response cost on the disruptive and on-task behavior of three preadolescents. Inclusion of response cost was associated with marked improvements in attentiveness and stabilization of disruptive behavior as compared with that obtained with a traditional school-home note. (LKS)

Systematic implementation of a peer-mediated self-evaluation procedure to improve the recess behavior problems of three second-grade boys was evaluated. Clear improvements in the boys' behavior were found, which were maintained as the self-evaluation procedure was systematically faded. In addition, treatment effects generalized to another recess…

Examination of staff responses to problem behaviors in three community-based group homes found that staff tended to rely heavily on verbal approaches to address problem behavior of people with intellectual disability, using other strategies only when the initial response failed. Findings suggest that staff behavior is negatively reinforced by the…

Describes how adventure therapy can be adapted to help individuals suffering from bulimia develop effective coping mechanisms, increase self-esteem, and gain appreciation for their bodies. Goal is for participants to recognize compulsive behavior in relation to their attitudes and to understand underlying processes that lead to those behaviors and…

This study examined spoken attributions of 18 families during diagnostic therapy following serious child abuse. Patterns of attributions successfully predicted classification of families by therapists as good, uncertain, and poor in terms of prognosis for rehabilitation. Case accounts illustrate use of attributional analysis to understand the…

A fluency therapy process for adolescents who stutter is described and illustrated by a case history that applies a four-stage process for structuring, targeting, adjusting, and regulating behaviors. The affective, behavioral, and cognitive components of fluency are considered, along with behavior techniques for eliciting a feeling of fluency…

A national survey of 147 institutions for individuals with mental retardation found that 68 percent of the institutions had used at least 1 of 3 specified treatment options to deal with behavior problems. Results indicated that, in comparison to in-house behavior shaping units and mobile intensive treatment teams, specialized outside referral…

Evaluated effectiveness of "Succeeding with the Interview" module of "Pathways," cognitive instruction program designed to facilitate career maturity in youth with learning disabilities. Compared to two control groups, four secondary school students with learning disabilities who participated in interview module showed changes…

There recently have been increasing demands for sex education. Peer led teaching is a powerful and probably essential component of school health and sex education programs. Evaluated interventions with agreed purpose and acceptable methodologies are essential if there is to be any real expectation of health benefit from sex education. (Author/NB)

A survey was administered assessing knowledge of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among 34 learning-disabled and 44 nondisabled high school students. Although results found no differences in AIDS awareness between groups, learning-disabled participants reported feeling less in control of exposure to AIDS and indicated less behavioral…

Presents a method for simulating the behavior and perceptual deficits demonstrated by patients who have undergone the split brain surgical procedure. Presents several activities in which two volunteers are required to accomplish certain tasks as one person. Suggests that these activities show how split brain patients illustrate certain lateralized…

This study with 65 individuals with mental retardation and additional seizure and/or psychiatric or behavioral disorders found that 9.2 percent experienced medication (carbamazepine) side effects, ranging from irritability to mania. More side effects were experienced by individuals with behavioral or psychiatric disorders than by those with an…