bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Behavior Problems Among Children of Vietnam War Veterans
Authors: Parsons John , Kehle Thomas J. , Owen Steve V.
Published: March 2007

Vietnam combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were compared to non-combat Vietnam era veterans without PTSD on their perceptions of their children's social and emotional functioning. A total of 107 veterans completed a parent's behavior checklist on their 191 children. The results indicated that fathers with PTSD perceived their children as exhibiting a substantially greater degree of dysfunctional social and emotional behavior. The types of dysfunctional behaviors were a function of the child's age and sex; however, children of PTSD fathers were generally rated as significantly more likely to exhibit an inadequate level of self-control resulting in various externalizing problem behaviors such as aggression, hyperactivity and delinquency. Further, these children were perceived as having difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships. The findings support the notion that a father's anxiety disorder, such as PTSD, may be related to his children's social and emotional functioning.
Learning Style Differences in Middle School Pupils from Four Ethnic Backgrounds
Authors: Hickson Joyce , Land Arthur J. , Aikman Grace
Published: March 2007

The drop-out rate among American high school students, particularly among African-Americans and Hispanics, is increasing rapidly. Poor academic achievement is a variable that is predictive of dropouts. The study explores learning style differences in ethnic populations and ways to accommodate these differences in the educational environment to enhance student success. Results of the study indicate that 12 variables on the Learning Styles Inventory significantly discriminate between four ethnic groups (White, Asian, Hispanic and African-American). Thus, because ethnic related variables may impact upon middle school students' perceptions of the learning experience, it is suggested that learning experiences should be designed to complement the learning styles of the different ethnic groups.
The Construct and Measurement of Intelligence among Brazilian Children
Authors: Oakland Thomas , Stafford Mary , Wechsler Solange , Bensusanc Edith
Published: March 2007

This study examines intelligence among Brazilian students on two levels: conceptual and test-related. Data was collected on 214 students ranging in age from 5 to 11. The study found that intelligence correlates significantly with socioeconomic status, achievement, grade repetition, family size and health and school absences. Among the 24 variables examined, the three that measure intelligence form a distinct factor. Support exists for a construct of intelligence that is separate from other variables reflecting social class and other family qualities. Both intelligence and SES variables have a substantial influence on achievement, suggesting that parent qualities exert at least as strong an influence on achievement as does intelligence. However, the interpretations of these results also should consider that the existing literature on intelligence among Brazilian children is meagre and the measures used in the research were developed in the US and UK, which differ considerably from Brazil with regard to linguistic, economic, cultural and educational variables, and cultural traditions.
The Biasing Effect of Information about Children's Temperamental Characteristics
Authors: Last Uriel , Spaser Esther
Published: March 2007

The potential of two temperamental characteristics, motor activity and mood quality, as possible risk factors for school maladjustment was studied by presenting dilemma stories to 218 subjects involved in teaching and education. Each dilemma story pertained to a transgression act (stealing or lying) committed in a classroom setting. It was suggested to the subjects that only one of two children present on the scene could be blamed. Each of the two involved was described in the narrative in some detail, both differing mainly on the level of one of the two temperamental characteristics studied. Results indicated that information about quality and level of temperamental characteristics of school children influenced the readiness of subjects to attribute 'bad' behavior to children with specific temperamental makeup. Children with higher as opposed to lower levels of ascribed motor activity are more prone to be suspected of committing transgression acts, although motor activity as such is devoid of any moral connotations. The findings shed some light on the mediating processes which may contribute to the risk value of certain temperamental characteristics for school adjustment.
The Differential Validity of Standardized Achievement Tests for Special Educational Placement Purposes
Authors: Mpofu Elias
Published: March 2007

The study investigated the validity of three standardized achievement tests (BAS; Burt; WRAT-R) for special educational purposes for a sample of Zimbabwe school pupils (N=73) referred for learning difficulties. A means comparison analysis of variance procedure (Hull and Nie, 1984) was used to determine differences in achievement by selected demographic variables whilst controlling for intellectual ability levels. Significant curriculum bias effects on achievement were obtained for the Burt word reading test and the WRAT-R spelling test. Type of school effects were also observed for the BAS and WRAT-R reading tests as well as the WRAT-R spelling test. The findings are discussed with reference to considerations for the use of standardized achievement test for special educational placement purposes. Suggestions for further research are given.
An Evaluation of the Paired Reading Program Using Competency-Based Training
Authors: Miller Betty V. , Kratochwill Thomas R.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Paired Reading (PR) method using a competency-based training program with parents of children who are poor readers. PR consists of two phases: simultaneous and independent reading. The PR method focuses on parent modeling, practice, praise and a positive atmosphere. Fifty-two parents of second and third graders receiving Chapter 1 services and fourth graders who received Chapter 1 services in the year prior were recruited for this study. Participants were assigned to either the experimental (PR) condition where they were trained to use the PR Program through a competency-based training format or to a wait-list control condition. Twenty-four of the 26 parents in the PR condition participated in the training. Parents were asked to read with their child using the PR method five times a week, for 10 to 15 minutes, across eight weeks and to tape record their reading sessions. Seven of those 24 parents returned all eight audio recordings of the reading sessions. Eight participants returned no tapes and 9 subjects returned between one and seven tapes. Overall reading improvement based on reading accuracy, rate and comprehension was assessed in the children, using difference scores obtained on the Paragraph Reading subtest of the Gray Oral Reading Test-Diagnostic. Child and parent perceptions of the child's reading skills and reading habits were also assessed. Comparisons were made between participants in the trained PR and untrained control conditions. Significant attrition effected the analysis of the data and an intent-to-treat-analysis was conducted. Children in the PR condition did not improve more than children in the control condition on overall reading scores. The small subset of children who completed the program did, however, improve more in their overall reading scores than their matched controls. A post-hoc analysis indicated that second and third graders who were receiving Chapter 1 services in school improved significantly in their overall reading scores and that the fourth graders, who no longer were eligible for Chapter 1 services in their school, did not show improvement over the course of this study. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Bullying and the Steiner School Ethos
Authors: Rivers Ian , Soutter Alison
Published: March 2007

This article discusses a case study from an ongoing research project focusing on the effect of school ethos upon levels of bullying behaviour. Whereas it may be said that all schools have an ethos, in the case of this study the term refers to a particular educational philosophy which underpins the teaching of academic subjects. This article dis cusses the Steiner or Waldorf education system as an example of a system with a strong ethos. It looks at three classes of 30 pupils in one school in the South of England, and finds a very low level of bullying despite the fact that many pupils came to the school because they had been victimized elsewhere. In this study, it is suggested that bullying is a situational problem rather than one due to the fact that some young people are so-called 'natural' victims.
Adolescents Between Cultures
Authors: Deeds Osvelia , Stewart Sunita Mahtani , Bond Michael H. , Westrick Jan
Published: March 2007

More information is needed about the effect of culturally atypical environments on values and behavior in youth. We investigated the value priorities and autonomy expectations of 226 Asian and Western teenagers from an international school. Asian teenagers in this setting retained traditional values while adopting many 'Western' values; however, their autonomy expectations remained later than for Western teenagers. These findings support Kagitqibasi's (1996) model of social change in traditional cultures, where despite emphases on the values of independence in function outside the family, interdependence within the family persists. In addition they provide a context to understand cross-cultural peer relationships in adolescents in an international setting.
Democratic Justice Regimes in Work Organizations: The Case of Israeli Taxi Cooperatives
Authors: Darr Asaf , Lewin Alisa C.
Published: March 2007

This article argues that democratic institutions for conflict resolution such as an independent judicial process are an important extension of workplace democracy. Using a survey of all taxi stations in Haifa, Israel, this study tries to describe and explain the existence of democratic justice regimes in work organizations. The study finds that all the worker-owned taxi stations studied elect both managers to run the stations and judges to operate an internal court. Most worker-owned stations institute a separation of the executive and the judicial branches. The study also finds a positive relationship between having a majority of hired drivers in worker-owned stations and having democratic governance structures, including an independent judiciary. This finding poses a challenge to existing literature that portrays a growing percentage of hired labour in cooperatives as a sign of 'degeneration'of democratic values. Finally, a positive relationship is found between ethnic succession among members in taxi cooperatives and the existence of democratic justice regimes.
Innovative Workplace Practices and Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in the United States
Authors: Askenazy Philippe
Published: March 2007

This article studies the consequences of organizational innovations on occupational injuries and illnesses in the American private sector over the past 20 years. High-performance workplace practices such as total quality management, job rotation and autonomous work teams can damage workplace health and safetythey can increase the intensity of work both in manufacturing and tertiary industries, and some practices can even be incompatible with the design and the assinirlation of safety rules. Using surveys on organizational changes in the USA, management literature and BLS-OSHA data, we show for 26 sectors that the adoption of high-performance practices seems correlated to a dramatic increase in occupational injuries and illnesses.
Empowerment As a Trojan Horse: New Systems of Work Organization in the North American Automobile Industry
Authors: Yates Charlotte , Lewchuk Wayne , Stewart Paul
Published: March 2007

While new models of work orgaization (lean production) in the automobile industry have been portrayed as a 'democratic'break with Fordism, we find considerable parallels with those traditional patterns of labour control they were intended to supplant. Far from understanding these as exemplars of 'democratic Taylorism', the article identities spwific company responses to problems associated with declining productivity and competitiveness. Moreover, the article argues that new models of work organization associated with lean production, far from heralding empowerment, are more conerned with asserting management control in varying ways in different companies.
Assessing Assessment: The Danish Experience of Worker Participation in Risk Assessment
Authors: Jensen Per Langaa
Published: March 2007

The imposition of the 1989 EU framework directive resulted in new Danish legislation on workplace assessment (WPA) to establish a mandatory participatory process to regulate the work environment in all firms. Initial studies of the legislation's implementation show that while smaller firms are not complying with the new requirements, larger firms are. A closer analysis, however, shows that the ambitions behind the law are still not being fully realized. By analysing the results from the perspective of different theories, this article addresses which strategies can be followed in order to develop WPA activities and thereby the participatory programme established by the Danish law on work environment.
Worker Control in Portugal: The Revolution and Today
Authors: Hammond John L.
Published: March 2007

During the Portuguese revolution of 1974-1975 many production and service firms came under worker control. The movement for worker control in enterprises, though part of a larger movement for self-determination in other institutions, was inspired less by ideology than by the need to preserve employment in the face of economic crisis, capital flight, and owners' refusal to meet contractual obligations. Despite adverse circumstances during the revolution and neglect by subsequent conservative governments, these firms have achieved real worker control: though they generally maintain traditional work organization, they have taken steps toward hierarchical and income equality and, by mobilizing workers' commitment to their firms and to each other, salvaged foundering enterprises and usually increased production and employment. Since maintaining employment is their primary goal, the economic logic which governs them is different from that in capitalist firms. The place of worker control in revolution and socialist transition is discussed.
From Fordism to?: New Technology, Labour Markets and Unions
Authors: Mahon Rianne
Published: March 2007

In the burgeoning literature, both popular and academic, on the 'newa technology', there is a general consensus that we are on the verge of sweeping changes in the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. There is, however, rather less agreement on the social consequences. This paper considers one of the negative scenarios that has recently gained a certain prominence: that of the 'declining middle'. This scenario is built on the assumption that, failing countervailing measures, the current wave of technical innovation could contribute to a dramatic restructuring of the postwar income structure replacing the 'income pyramid' with an 'income hour-glass' by destroying many of the better paid blueand white-collar jobs in the countries of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). The primary focus of the paper will be to consider how the character of a country's industrial relations system might mitigate or exacerbate such polarisation tendencies, through a comparative analysis of recent developments in the United States (US), Japan, West Germany and Sweden. It is assumed that the way in which the industrial relations system is organised in each country will exercise a marked effect on the way in which new techniques are put to use in the production process. It will also be determinant in the distribution of the national income and, in this way, affect a firm's choice of product strategy.
Labor, Politics and Industrialization in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Espinal Rosario
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this article is to trace the development of the Dominican labor movement in the context of the economic and political changes that have taken place in the Dominican Republic since the Trujillo dictatorship. A main objective is to show how the subordinated role of the working class in Dominican society has changed little despite the industrialization process initiated in the 1940s and push forward in the late 1960s, and the establishment of a democratic government in 1978. Both under authoritarian and democratic rule, the Dominican labor movement has been a weak political force, largely exluded from the economic and political benefits associated with industrialization and the modernization of the economy and the political system. This paper does not seek to test theories or hypotheses of labor or political development. In this sense, this article reflects more an attempt to discuss the development of the labor movement and labor relations in the Dominican case than an effort to evaluate theories or hypotheses with comparative references. Nonetheless, it draws somewhat freely on other cases for the purpose of comparative illustrations, and suggests themes for future theoretical discussion of a comparative nature.
Human Rights, Democracy and Development in Latin America
Authors: Stavenhagen Rodolfo
Published: March 2007

In the late 1980s, the return to political democracy and civilian regimes in numerous Latin American countries was widely hailed as heralding an end to the major violations of human rights which had become a matter of urgent international concern. This paper argues that the end of military dictatorships does not necessarily usher in an era of democracy nor does it put an end to abuses of human rights. Indeed, the sources of such abuses are to be found in the structural conditions of Latin America's economies and societies, which lead to social polarization and inequality as well as to the non-participation of the majority of the people in the political process. Singled out in this process is the agrarian structure, the traditional forms of power-wielding, the uneven process of urbanization and the creation of an urban marginal underclass. The situation has been compounded by the internationalization of the national economies and the piling up of foreign debt. Not only governments, but also non-state actors, such as drug traffickers and anti-systemic guerilla movements, are guilty of violations of buman rights. Particularly vulnerable are the continent's indigenous peoples, who now demand respect for their individual and collective rights.
A New Regime? Class Representation within the Swedish State'
Authors: Ahrne Goran , Clement Wallace
Published: March 2007

Other authors have pointed to recent changes in Swedish society: the rifts in the labour movement; the internationalization of capital; the defeat of the Social Democratic government. We contend it is the relationship between these three spheres that has been the key subject of change. The entire regime is on the edge of a precipice to a new era. This article examines the special way class actors have been represented within the Swedish state, especially in the boards and agencies that execute the active labour market policy which has been at the heart of the 'Swedish model'. Class analysis is at its strongest when it locates developments in the relationships between classes, rather than viewing labour, capital and the state in isolation. The decline of LO's hegemony within the labour movement, SAF's declared 'farewell to corporatism' and SAP's inability to govern are all elements essential to marking a new era. We ask whether Sweden stands on the edge of a regime change. How do the major class actors now align? Have the forces of conservatism begun to surpass the hegemony of Sweden's social democracy?
Workers' Financial Participation in the European Communily
Authors: Uvalic Milica
Published: March 2007

The present article summarizes the recent experiences in workers' financial participation in the member countries of the European Community, as contained in the PEPPER Report prepared for the Commission of the European Community in 1990-91 as part of its Action Programme for the implementation of the Social Charter. Within the category of financial participation, two broad categories of schemes were included: profit-sharing and employee share-ownership. An overview is given of the prevalent types of schemes applied in EC countries, diffusion of particular forms, characteristics concerning enterprise size and sectoral distribution, percentages of employees involved and effective benefits accruing to employees. With the notable exceptions of France and the UK, employee financial participation is for the moment not very diffused. Nevertheless, the Recommendation on employee participation in enterprise results, adopted by the Council of European Communities in July 1992, encourages member states to grant fiscal and other incentives to firms adopting financial participation schemes, which may lead to measures facilitating their further spread throughout Europe.
Worker Participation and Trade Unionism: Case Studies of Workplace Democracy in South Africa
Authors: Maller Judy
Published: March 2007

In the context of democratization and deracialization, Southa Africa's workplaces are undergoing a profound transition. This article investigates worker participation in three different South African case studies and argues that in the context of ongoing conflict and cooperation, participation should be combined with oppositional strategies if labour is going to have any meaningful say in the running of the workplace.
Development or Convergence? Change and Stability in a Common
Authors: Hadley Roger , Universiy Lancaer , Goldsmith Maurice
Published: March 2007

The life history of work cooperatives in capitalist societies offers a fruitful field for examining the factors which may influence their development as distinctive alternatives to prevailing work cultures or their tendencies to revert to prevailing norms. The case study presented in this article explores change and stability in a long-established British common ownership firm, comparing data from studies in 1960 and 1989. Evolution from paternalist to managerialist leadership is analysed using an action approach. A force-field perspective is employed to examine the interaction of pressures for development, convergence and the maintenance of the status quo, and to explain the equilibrium which has resulted.
Special Issue on: The Challenge of Full Employment in the Global Economy Editorial Introduction
Authors: Ginsburg Helen Lachs , Zaccone June , Goldberg Gertrude Schaffner , Collins Sheila D. , Rosen Sumner M.
Published: March 2007

Low unemployment and commitment to full employment were widespread after the Second World War. Today, there is mass unemployment and weak commitment to-full employment, which is still necessary and attainable. This article discusses divergent concepts of full employment, its history and the impact of the global economy. We dispel the notion that Europe's high unemployment is due to labor market rigidity, that the US model is a good alternative and that technology has made work obsolete. Unemployment, both morally unacceptable and economically irrational, weakens welfare states. The global economy makes attaining full employment more difficult but not impossible. Political and economic strategies, needed at both national and international levels, are suggested, along with possible actions by intellectuals.
Promotion of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing in Europe
Authors: Poutsma Erik , de Nijs Willem , Doorewaard Hans
Published: March 2007

This article presents the major findings of a research project for the European Union on the development of promotion of employee ownership and profit sharing, known as PEPPER schemes, and the diffusion of these schemes throughout Europe. Since the first PEPPER report in 1991, the general situation of government policy on financial participation schemes in EU countries has improved slightly. Official government positions in individual EU countries still range from strongly in favour to undefined. The different government positions relate to distinct industrial relations systems in individual EU countries. This is demonstrated by the very particular developments with respect to the issue of financial participation in France, Germany and the UK.
When Instructions Fail
Authors: Schlund Michael W.
Published: March 2007

Bedside hearing screenings are routinely conducted by speech and language pathologists for brain injury survivors during rehabilitation. Cognitive deficits resulting from brain injury, however, may interfere with obtaining estimates of auditory thresholds. Poor comprehension or attention deficits often compromise patient abilities to follow procedural instructions. This article describes the effects of jointly applying behavioral methods and psychophysical methods to improve two severely brain-injured survivors’ attending and reporting on auditory test stimuli presentation. Treatment consisted of stimulus control training that involved differentially reinforcing responding in the presence and absence of an auditory test tone. Subsequent hearing screenings were conducted with novel auditory test tones and a common titration procedure. Results showed that prior stimulus control training improved attending and reporting such that hearing screenings were conducted and estimates of auditory thresholds were obtained.
General Case Quasi-Pyramidal Staff Training to Promote Generalization of Teaching Skills in Supervisory and Direct-Care Staff
Authors: Ducharme Joseph M. , Williams Larry , Cummings Anne , Murray Pina , Spencer Terry
Published: March 2007

The authors employed staff training strategies designed to enhance generalization of teaching skills in staff working with persons with developmental disabilities. Staff training consultants initially employed a general case training approach involving the use of specially selected client program exemplars to provide three supervisory staff with generalized teaching skills. Subsequently, supervisory staff used the general case approach to train teaching skills to direct-care staff, with staff training support from the consultants (quasi-pyramidal training). Supervisors showed improvement in teaching skills after supervisory staff training, but only one of the three supervisors exceeded 70% correct skill use. After participating in the training of their own staff, however, supervisors demonstrated further improvements in skill use. All direct-care staff showed improvement after quasi-pyramidal training, with seven of the nine staff exceeding 70% correct skill use. General case quasi-pyramidal training appears to have potential as a strategy for promoting generalization of staff teaching skills in both trainees and trainers.
A Selective Overview of Issues on Classification, Causation, and Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Autism
Authors: Pelios Lillian V. , Lund Stein K.
Published: March 2007

Autism is a behaviorally defined disorder that comprises a controversial diagnostic category due to heterogeneity in symptomatology, causation, and etiology and significant variance in response to intervention. In this article, the authors provide a brief overview of the clinical category and a summary of diagnostic developments with respect to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.Regarding causation and etiology, they briefly discuss selected perspectives from the fields of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. The article concludes with a summary of effective behavioral strategies for the treatment of children with autism. This section highlights the importance of early intensive behavioral intervention and includes a discussion of some important aspects of this approach.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Standardized Parent Training Program in Altering the Interaction of Mothers and their Noncompliant Children
Authors: Peed Steve , Roberts Mark , Forehand Rex
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a parent training program designed to alter interactions of parents and their noncompliant children. Mother-child pairs were assigned to either a treatment or a waiting list control group. Parent training was conducted in a controlled learning environment. The following pre- and posttreatment measures were collected: clinic observational data, home observational data, and parent verbal report measures. The results indicated that both parents and children in the treatment group demonstrated multiple behavior changes in the clinic and home, whereas the control group did not change over the waiting period. Both treatment and control group mothers demonstrated positive changes on most of the parent verbal report measures.
Socioethical Considerations in Behavior Therapy Research and Practice
Authors: McNamara J. Regis
Published: March 2007

Clinical and research practices of behavior therapists are identified in which the potential for ethical misapplication, underconcern, or insensitivity may arise. An analysis of ethical concerns associated with the following five phases of behavioral intervention is next developed: problem identification, establishing behavioral objectives, designing behavior change, implementing behavior change, and evaluation and feedback of the behavior change endeavor. The article concludes by examining the practice of behavior modification from a sociolegal perspective, with special emphasis on developments within the patients' rights movement.
Public Posting with a Habilitation Team
Authors: Hutchison J. Michael , Jarman Philip H. , Bailey Jon S.
Published: March 2007

A public posting system was used to increase attendance at and performance in habilitation team meetings in an institutional setting. A reversal ABAB design was used to determine the effects of the public posting procedure. Results proved to be consistent with earlier research in the area. Public posting for attendance increased the number of members present at the meetings by about 20%. Similar results were obtained with performance, where an average increase of 30% was seen in posting conditions. Furthermore, data indicate that the team business progressed more efficiently during the public posting phases, with a concurrent increase in the delivery of services to the residents. This study further demonstrates that public posting may be an acceptable and efficacious accountability procedure for use in organizational settings.
A Community-Based Gasoline Conservation Project
Authors: Hake Don F. , Zane Thomas
Published: March 2007

Two previous studies obtained 20% driving reductions with college students. However, college students are easier to work with than a representative community population because of their common location and lower exposure to environmental contingencies (e.g., job, family). This study found that a community-based project was feasible in terms of recruiting participants, their cooperativeness in reporting mileage, and the 15% average reduction in miles driven. Drivers in an experimental group were paid for individual and team driving reductions relative to baseline and to matched control group drivers who were simply asked to reduce and who were paid an amount approximating the experimental group. This study raised possibilities as well as problems for future community-based studies. For example, given the cooperativeness of some persons and increasing gasoline prices, will small monetary incentives become practical? Problems remain in detecting artifactual effects due to changes in life events, holidays, weather, and finding ways around the rules. Solutions may require deviation from standard behavior-analytic methodology (e.g., control groups, discussing driving habits with participants).
Overcorrection Treatment of Stereotyped Behaviors
Authors: Matson Johnny L. , Stephens Ronald M.
Published: March 2007

The efforts of an overcorrection treatment program for stereotyped responses by chronic psychiatric patients were assessed. Treatment in both studies involved the contingent use of "hand overcorrection" procedure, in which the subject was required to hold his hands in specified positions for 15 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. In Study 1, wall-patting was reduced across three settings within a combined multiple-baseline reversal design. Collateral measures showed increased appropriate social responding (smiling and verbal comments) concurrent with treatment. In Study 2, contingent overcorrection eliminated stereotyped responses by three subjects who had topographically similar response patterns. Major findings of these studies were: (I) overcorrection effectively reduced stereotyed behaviors; (2) reduction of target behaviors did not generalize across settings and had to be programmed; (3) modeling effects were negligible for reduction of these behaviors; (4) the trainer became a discriminative stimulus for the overcorrection contingency; (5) maintenance of response reduction was accomplished by fading the trainer out of the treatment setting: and (6) positive side-effects were observed concurrent with treatment, but were not maintained as the target decreased in frequency.
Communication Behaviors That Affect Blood Pressure
Authors: Ewart Craig K. , Burnett Kent F. , Taylor C. Barr
Published: March 2007

Although blood pressure levels are known to vary with changes in the social environment, interpersonal behaviors that cause this have not been specified. An A-B-A-B experimental design ws used to examine the effect of marital communication on pressor responses of two hypertensive males. In each experimental phase, subjects and their wives discussed marital problems of equivalent severity while the husband's blood pressure and heart rate were measured. During the baseline phases (Weeks 1 and 3) couples discussed problems in their "usual" way. During treatment (Weeks 2 and 4) they used communication methods designed to facilitate problem solving. Communication behaviors were rated facilitative, disruptive, or neutral for each phase. In both subjects, blood pressure increments were inversely related to the frequency of disruptive responses. There was no apparent relationship between heart rate and communication patterns.
A Women's Heterosocial Skill Observational Rating System
Authors: Kolko David J. , Milan Michael A.
Published: March 2007

A recurrent deficit in the heterosocial competence literature has been the lack of a behavioral assessment instrument that evaluates a broad range of important component behaviors or skills during an extended interaction. To remedy this deficit, two studies conducted with college women are reported. The first study describes the application of the behavior-analytic model in the identification of women's heterosocial skills using male and female peers as judges. Behaviorally referenced, three-point nominal and ordinal scales were then developed, and each skill was rated using an interval recording procedure. The second study describes the validation of a behavioral assessment instrument (the Heterosocial Skill Observational Rating System or HESORS) designed to evaluate these skills. The reliability, internal structure, discriminant validity, and criterion validity of the HESORS were found to be psychometrically acceptable. The implications of this research in terms of empirical and methodological consideratons are discussed.
Stability of Food Preferences During Weight Control
Authors: Epstein Leonard H. , Wing Rena R. , Valoski Alice , Penner Barbara C.
Published: March 2007

Previous research has shown that the preference for foods used to reinforce behavior change will increase in young children. This study was designed to assess whether this principle could be used to change the food preferences of older, obese children. Obese children were randomly assigned to one of two groups, a treatment group in which novel low-calorie foods were presented contingent upon the behavior changes required for weight loss, whereas in the control group the novel low-calorie foods were given for a daily snack and not contingent upon behavior change. Food preferences were tested twice before treatment began to establish the stability of the food preference, and at 8 weeks (end of treatment) and 6 months after treatment began. Food preferences were stable before treatment began, and remained stable throughout the treatment and follow-up. Children in both groups lost significant amounts of weight after treatment. Preferences were greater for familiar than unfamiliar foods, and greater for fruits than vegetables. No systematic relationships between parent and child food preference were observed.
The Maintenance of Weight Loss After Behavioral Treatment
Authors: Westover Susan A. , Lanyon Richard I.
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the recent empirical literature on the behavioral treatment of obesity in an attempt to delineate those variables that are most closely related to the posttreatment maintenance of weight loss. Such variables were found to fall into three general categories: adherence to treatment and use of behavioral skills, posttreatment vigilance regarding both weight fluctuation and the skills learned in therapy, and intraindividual physical and emotional factors. An attempt is made to develop a rational understanding of these findings, which appear to be consistent with Kanfer's self-regulation model of self-control. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.
Behavioral Treatment of Child Neglect
Authors: Lutzker John R.
Published: March 2007

Child neglect is a serious and prevalent problem. It is often chronic, and parents accused of child neglect may refuse treatment or may fail to cooperate fully. Described here are some examples of empirically evaluated treatments for child neglect dealing with hygiene, nutrition, home safety, and cleanliness, affective skills training, infant stimulation, and teaching health-related skills. Also discussed is a concern for a need for primary prevention programs.
Parent Behavioral Training
Authors: Graziano Anthony M. , Diament David M.
Published: March 2007

This article examines the parent behavioral training (PBT) paradigm as an important development in child treatment that emerged some two decades ago. Several points of evaluation in the paradigm are identified, and the recent literature has been reviewed to determine how well the paradigm has been empirically validated. Overall, PBT has been well validated as a model for bringing about therapeutic improvement in children and parents under certain conditions. The conditions are identified, as are needed areas of research.
Generalization in Social Behavior Research with Children and Youth Who Have Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Landrum Timothy J. , Lloyd John Wills
Published: March 2007

This article presents a critical analysis of social behavior research with students who have emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD). In particular, it focuses on issues of generalized responding and a technology of generalization promotion. From a review of selected studies the conclusion is drawn that (a) researchers too rarely examine generalization in social behavior research, (b) studies that provide analysis of generalization rely on the least analytic approaches, and (c) generalization is seldom presented as a dependent variable of central interest in social behavior research with EBD students. Guidelines for further research in the area of generalization promotion are offered.
Relations Between Social Skills and High-Risk Sexual Interactions among Adolescents
Authors: Nangle Douglas W. , Hansen David J.
Published: March 2007

Researchers have begun to employ social-skills training in efforts to change the sexual behavior of adolescents. However, despite the promise of social-skills training, little is known about how social skills are related to the sexual practices of adolescents. The present article reviews the current literature and proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the relations between social skills and sexual behavior of adolescents by (a) examining the relationship between sexual activity and social skills, (b) examining the development of sexual-interaction skills and deficits, (c) summarizing what is currently known about the relations between social skills and sexual behavior, (d) discussing current issues in the assessment and treatment of sexual-interaction skills deficits, and (e) proposing some directions for needed research that will add both to our current knowledge base and to the effectiveness of applied intervention efforts.
Interaction of Persons With Severe Mental Retardation and Their Nondisabled Co-Workers in Integrated Work Settings
Authors: Rusch Frank R. , Wilson Philip G. , Hughes Carolyn , Heal Laird W.
Published: March 2007

This investigation matched 23 workers with severe mental retardation to 23 workers without disabilities by job type and minimal duration of employment (at least 6 months) to determine if co-worker relations differed between the two groups of employees. Results indicated that, compared to workers with severe mental retardation, nondisabled workers were more likely to receive information, to receive training, and to interact as friends outside the workplace.
Determining the Collateral Effects of Peer Tutor Training on a Student with Severe Disabilities
Authors: Martella Ronald C. , Marchand-Martella Nancy E. , Young K. Richard , Cmacfarlane Christine A.
Published: March 2007

In one experiment and two case studies, we evaluated the impact of training peer tutors without disabilities to provide effective instructional procedures with a student with severe disabilities who exhibited aberrant behaviors in the classroom. Peer tutors received training on how to provide appropriate commands and specific praise statements, as well as to decrease negative statements. In the experiment, two peer tutors were taught these skills in a multiple baseline design. Two case studies further clarified the impact of the peer tutor training. In Case Study 1, one peer tutor received training on the three skills concurrently and data were assessed in an AB design. In Case Study 2, one peer tutor was trained prior to working with the student to determine if a peer tutor who had no prior history with the student could work effectively with minimal disruptions from the onset. Data were also measured on the student's aberrant behaviors and his compliance before, during, and after training the peer tutors. Results indicated that the peer tutors leamed to provide appropriate commands and specific praise and to reduce negative statements. More important, as a collateral effect of the training program, the student's aberrant behaviors decreased and his compliance to requests improved.
Reconsideration of the Use of Peer Sociometrics for Evaluating Social-Skills Training
Authors: Hansen David J. , Nangle Douglas W. , Ellis James T.
Published: March 2007

Social-skills training studies using sociometric procedures as dependent measures have often yielded mixed results as to the improvement of the subjects. Failure to document improvement in peer acceptance subsequent to behavior change has led some to question the validity of social-skills interventions, whereas others have questioned the psychometric properties of the measures themselves. This study examined the temporal stability of the two major types of peer measures used in social-skills interventions studies: peer-nomination measures of liking and peer-rating measures of liking. Subjects were 87 children in three fourth-grade and two fifth-grade classrooms. Temporal stability was assessed across time intervals of 2,6, and 8 weeks. Temporal stability was examined as it traditionally has been at the group level (using Pearson product-moment correlations), and at the level at which data are normally examined for change in social-skills interventions, at the level of the individual child (using phi and Cramer's V coefficients). Assessed at the group level, the three types of peer measures were generally moderately to highly stable. Stability coefficients for individual children's scores on the peer measures, however, indicated instability at the level of the individual child. These problems regarding stability at the individual, idiographic level may be especially relevant when sociometric procedures are used as dependent measures in individual subject design studies. Conceptual and practical implications of the findings for the assessment of social-skills interventions are discussed.
Planned Activities Training for Mothers of Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Huynen Kim B. , Lutzker John R. , Bigelow Kathryn M. , Touchette Paul E. , Campbell Randy V.
Published: March 2007

Planned Activities Training (PAT) teaches mothers to plan and structure activities to prevent challenging child behaviors. PAT was evaluated with four mothers of children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down Syndrome, and ADHD. PAT was used independent of any other behavior management techniques to examine its impact on mother and child behaviors, which were examined in addition to "fidelity" data on the mothers' implementation of PAT techniques. A multiple probe experimental design across two families with a replication across two more families demonstrated that PAT produced marked improvements in mother and child behavior in three generalization settings. In most cases, mothers' use of PAT procedures more than doubled. Three mothers' appropriate behavior increased from 25% to 40%. Improvements in child behavior ranged from 20% to more than 50%. Intervention gains were maintained at 1, 3, and 6 months. These results suggest that PAT is a useful technique for promoting durable generalization of mother-child skills.
The Efficacy of a Response Cost-Based Treatment Package for Managing Aggressive Behavior in Preschoolers
Authors: Reynolds Larissa Kern , Kelley Mary Lou
Published: March 2007

The present study examined the effectiveness of a response cost treatment package for improving the classroom behavior of four aggressive preschoolers. Using a multiple baseline design, teachers implemented the response cost system during the treatment phases of the study. The system required teachers to remove smiley faces contingent on aggressive behavior. Each face loss was accompanied by a reprimand. If the child retained at least one smiley face at the end of the observation period, he was allowed to choose from a list of rewards. Rewards were easily administered at school. The results indicated that the response cost treatment package substantially decreased aggressive behavior and was a highly acceptable classroom treatment to teachers and parents.
Evaluating the Role of Physical, Operant, Cognitive, and Affective Factors in the Pain Behaviors of Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Turk Dennis C. , Okifuji Akiko
Published: March 2007

Behavioral manifestations of pain, distress, and suffering have been characterized as pain behaviors. Although acquisition and maintenance of pain behaviors have been considered to occur through reinforcement contingencies, empirical evidence suggests that pain behavior is better understood as a multidimensional entity. The present study was designed to evaluate the contributions of physical, operant, cognitive, and affective factors to individual differences in pain behaviors. A total of 63 chronic pain patients diagnosed with the disorder fibromyalgia underwent medical, physical, and psychological evaluations. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the physical, cognitive, and affective factors, but not operant factors, were significantly related to observed pain behaviors. The set of all factors accounted for 53% of the variance in observed pain behavior. The results in this study suggest that pain behaviors should be conceptualized as behavioral manifestation of pain based on a complex interaction of various psychological and physical factors.