Goal setting and behavior contracting were combined for students with emotional and behavioral difficulties in a public elementary school. Attainment rates for 43 special education students were analyzed over 5 years. Results indicate high and consistent attainment percentages for contract goals. Findings suggests behavior contracting and goal…

A LISREL model incorporating both social and psychological factors was used to explain Chinese and American college students' suicide ideation. In both Chinese and American samples, females scored higher on the ideation scale than males. The overall rate is lower for the Chinese, however. Supports previous research. Offers a comparison of…

Explores the impact of female participation in the labor force (FPLF) on female suicide attitudes using a national sample of 5,559 women. Significant bivariate relationship is indicated, though when controls are added for covariates, FPLF is not related to female suicide attitudes. Relates findings to the role conflict and role expansionist theory…

Compares symptoms between depressed inpatient preadolescents and adolescents. One hundred and eight hospital records were reviewed with a structured format and were assigned Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R) diagnoses. Twenty-two preadolescents and 34 adolescents had symptoms documented that satisfied criteria for major…

A study compared specific repetitive behaviors in 32 adults with autism with 34 controls with mental retardation. The occurrence of each behavior category, except dyskinesias, was higher in individuals with autism and they showed a greater number of topographies of stereotypy and compulsions. Repetitive behavior severity also predicated autism…

Fifty-eight tables provide a breakdown of answers to a survey responded to by 45 experts in the medication treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in people with mental retardation. Questions address treatment of specific disorders, ratings of various medications for specific disorders or symptoms, and preferences in mood stabilizers,…

This study examined the academic achievement of 45 incarcerated youth who received an intensive, 6-week summer reading program involving 3 hours of direct instruction and whole language reading activities per day. Significant improvements on 3 of 4 reading tests were found. Overall reading abilities of participants remained low, however,…

This article discusses strategies and procedures for promoting maintenance and generalization of student behavior changes resulting from interventions based on functional behavioral assessment. Strategies include self-management techniques, cognitive mediation, self-advocacy training, use of peers, booster training, environmental modifications,…

A study conducted functional analyses of the pica of three young children. The pica of one participant was maintained by automatic reinforcement; that of the other two was multiply-controlled by social and automatic reinforcement. Preference and treatment analyses were used to address the automatic function of the pica. (Author/CR)

This report reviews research on personality disorders (PDs) in adolescents, focusing on the prevalence of certain PDs by gender and the impact of gender on diagnosis. Empirical findings are presented pertaining to PD gender differences in adults for comparison and conclude that most DSM-III-R defined PDs are unrelated to gender. (Author)

This article describes specific components of a multifaceted approach to functional behavior assessment in the context of the widely accepted behavioral excess/deficit model for students with externalizing behavior disorders. Specific strategies to address academic skill and performance deficits as well as social skills deficiencies are also…

A 3-year study investigated interactions of teachers and 99 students (grades 1-8) with high rates and/or severe disruptive behaviors and 278 controls. There were no differences in the relative occurrences of disruptive behaviors of the students, however, teachers were more likely to respond negatively to disruptive behaviors of target students.…

Examines the current literature and implications of follow-up studies of students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD). A general conclusion drawn by the literature reviewed was that students with EBD also have lower grades, more course failures, a higher grade retention, and a higher dropout rate than other disability groups and the general…

Assessed the importance of knowledge and skill competencies in applied behavior analysis by experienced teachers of students with emotional-behavioral disorders (E/BD) who completed E/BD knowledge and skill competency rating scales. Teachers considered applied behavior analysis competencies very important to their teaching knowledge and skills.…

Problems experienced by youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) exact enormous toll on themselves, families and communities. Authors discuss three mental health initiatives for EBD youth, consisting of school-based practices, individualized care, stakeholder collaboration, intensive service coordination, and family-centered services.…