bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear of Autonomic Arousal and Use of Coping Strategies as Predictors of Agoraphobic Avoidance in Panic Disorder
Authors: Rayment Patricia , Richards Jeff
Published: July 2016

Despite the very significant proportion of people with panic disorder who have accompanying agoraphobia, there is considerable controversy about the variables that influence the development of this avoidance behaviour. This study investigated whether degree of avoidance is a function of extent of fear and prevalence of negative cognitions about autonomic arousal symptoms and whether the use of, and confidence in, behavioural strategies to cope with panic sensations also influences agoraphobic avoidance. Thirty-nine people who met DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder completed questionnaires measuring fear and negative cognitions about autonomic arousal and panic sensations, and a questionnaire measuring their use of largely behavioural strategies to cope with panic attacks. Fear of autonomic arousal and negative cognitions in response to the occurrence of these arousal symptoms were jointly related to situational avoidance. There was little relationship between the use of, and confidence in, panic coping strategies and less agoraphobic avoidance, although simply allowing panic symptoms to develop and pass predicted less avoidance. The results were interpreted as providing an empirical basis for treatment that reduces fear of panic sensations and allows their experience to be tolerated while preventing escape and avoidance of situations in which panic occurs. There was little evidence that additional teaching of behavioural coping strategies would be useful in reducing agoraphobic avoidance.
Developmental Psychopathology and Normal Fear
Authors: Gullone Eleonora
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the extensive research examining developmental patterns in normal fear. Areas of focus include age, gender, and socioeconomic status differences in fear content, prevalence, and intensity. The structure and stability/duration of normal fears are also discussed. Finally, the crosscultural research in this area is reviewed. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies indicate that fear decreases in prevalence and intensity with age. There are also major changes in the content of normal fear over the course of development. Such changes are characterised by a transition from infant fears which are related to immediate, concrete, and prepotent stimuli, and which are largely noncognitive, to fears of late childhood and adolescence which are related to anticipatory, abstract, and more global stimuli and events. Fears of late childhood and adolescence are also more cognitive. One of the prominent themes during these years is social evaluation. It is noteworthy that fears have been demonstrated to be largely transitory in nature, decreasing significantly in number and intensity over time and with maturation. Future research into normal fear should more closely examine the validity of current assessment techniques. There is also a need for research into the developmental correlates of fear, including individual differences and affective environmental experiences. In particular, research examining the correlates of normal fear within a developmental psychopathology framework is recommended.
“Hey Dad, Watch Me”: The Effects of Training a Child to Teach Pain Management Skills to a Parent With Recurrent Headaches
Authors: Devilly Grant J. , Sanders Matthew R.
Published: July 2016

This study examines the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioural program for recurrent headaches which was first implemented with an 8-year-old boy suffering from headaches. The child was subsequently trained to implement the same intervention with his father who also suffered from headaches. The treatment involved pain management skills, such as relaxation training, imagery, positive self-talk, and distraction techniques. In addition, a parent contingency management component involving the mother was employed. The treatment intervention was sequentially introduced to the child and father in a nonconcurrent multiple-baseline across-subjects design. Headache diaries and self-report measures were completed by both clients. From pre- to posttreatment there was respectively a 92.5% and 86.7% improvement in headache frequency, a 67% and 85% improvement in mean headache intensity and a 89.44% and 28% improvement in headache duration. Three-month follow-up data showed that both subjects had 100% improvement rates on all headache measures. The results highlight that some children can successfully teach their parents pain management skills. Possible implications of the results for the treatment of families, where multiple family members suffer from pain, are discussed.
Peer Tutoring of Below Average Secondary School Readers Using Pause, Prompt, and Praise: The Successive Introduction of Tutoring Components
Authors: Houghton Stephen , Glynn Ted
Published: July 2016

Five tutor-tutee pairs of 13-year-old students who were below average in reading participated in a program of remediated reading using the Pause, Prompt, and Praise procedures. Whereas previous research has shown that these procedures can be learned concurrently by peer tutors, this study showed that the procedures can also be learned successively. Data indicate that the five tutors readily learned to implement all components of the procedure, and that both tutors and tutees made major gains in reading accuracy and comprehension.
The Development of Behaviour Therapy in Australia: Reply to Russo, Tarrier and Sakano
Authors: Lovibond Syd H.
Published: July 2016

It was with considerable interest that I read the comments on my paper (Lovibond, 1993) offered by our three international colleagues. It is at once apparent from the commentaries that the issues in clinical psychology to which I drew attention are in no way unique to Australia. Quite clearly, however, in Japan behaviour therapy (or CBT) has not yet reached that stage of development where the problems I posed become relevant. For this reason I shall concentrate mainly on the comments of Professors Russo and Tarrier. Each of the commentators, but particularly Dr. Russo, found points of agreement with my statement of the issues, but none expressed support for the program of action I suggested. Surprisingly however, none had alternative solutions to offer.

I believe the most important issue I raised was the threat to the primacy of the scientist-professional model in the education/training/practice of clinical psychologists. Professor Russo clearly shares my concerns here, but Professor Tarrier makes no mention of the scientist-professional model or the need to maintain links with the basic discipline of psychology. From the general tenor of his remarks, I gather that Professor Tarrier does not regard the fate of the scientist-professional model as a major issue, and indeed he seems quite satisfied with the status of clinical psychology in the UK. Interestingly however, the report of the Manpower Planning Advisory Group, which Professor Tarrier quotes at another point, suggests that in the UK “clinical psychologists' roles are seen as ambiguous by others, confused with the roles of other disciplines and further confused by the variety of ways in which psychology services are delivered and practised. The research also found poor promotion of clinical psychologists' contributions to services and an inappropriately low profile in view of the impact that clinical psychologists could be having on the effectiveness of services” (MPAG, 1990, p. 8).
Behaviour Therapy's Role in Preventing Physical Illness
Authors: Sanson-Fisher Robert W , Schofield Margot J , Perkins Janice
Published: July 2016

This paper argues for an expansion of the field of behaviour therapy from a predominant focus on individual and family based treatment of problems into the prevention of physical illness at a population level. It outlines criteria which can be used to make rational decisions about which domains behaviour therapists should focus on, it then provides a rationale for placing more emphasis on population based strategies of prevention. The particular contributions which the discipline of behaviour therapy has to offer to such an expanded role are then delineated and the benefits of an expanded role into primary and secondary prevention of physical disease are discussed in relation to past research.
Functional Analyses of Challenging Behaviours of Two People with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Tustin R. Don
Published: July 2016

Carers observed problem behaviours of two people with intellectual disability in natural settings. Data recorded on Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence (A-B-C) charts were analysed quantitatively by calculating the relative likelihoods of each target behaviour occurring in different situations. Functional analyses were conducted, and individualised interventions were based on these. In one case, a client behaved differently in different situations. Interventions were introduced to teach the client to emit a different prosocial behaviour in each situation. The second client behaved similarly in two situations, suggesting that the behaviours were functionally equivalent for the client. The behaviours of both clients were interpreted as attention seeking behaviours as both antecedents and consequences involved the provision of attention by carers. However different interventions were used in the two cases, and were effective in reducing target behaviours both immediately and in follow-ups.
Reliability of Structured Interviews for the Assessment of Challenging Behaviour
Authors: Sigafoos Jeff , Kerr Michelle , Roberts Donna , Couzens Donna
Published: July 2016

While structured behavioural interviews are often used in the assessment of problem behaviours among persons with developmental disabilities, there are no data on the reliability of this assessment methodology. In the present study, the reliability of a 15 item interview protocol was determined by comparing the answers provided by different staff concerning the aggressive behaviours displayed by 18 persons with severe disabilities. Agreement was generally low with an overall mean of 43% across clients and questions. The results suggest that information obtained from structured behavioural interviews should be verified by direct observation.
The Assessment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder with an Australian Vietnam Veteran Population: Preliminary Findings with Two New Instruments
Authors: Creamer Mark , Chaffer Darren
Published: July 2016

Preliminary data are provided on two new instruments in the field of traumatic stress, namely the Penn Inventory and the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The Penn Inventory is a 26-item self-report scale developed for use with a range of trauma populations. The CIDI-PTSD is a draft module currently being trialed and eventually to be included in the full version of the CIDI interview. Participants comprised 30 Australian Vietnam combat veterans, who also completed the Impact of Event Scale and the Mississippi Scale for PTSD (M-PTSD). The Penn Inventory demonstrated good congruent validity and was comparable to the M-PTSD in diagnostic accuracy. Both scales tended to overdiagnose. The CIDI-PTSD performed disappointingly, showing relatively low sensitivity and specificity. Implications for the appropriate use of these instruments are discussed.
Single-session Therapy of Chronic Insomnia: A Case Study
Authors: Singh Ratan , Khan Rahmatullah
Published: July 2016

A chronic case of insomnia treated by paradoxical intention is reported. All previous attempts at treatment, including progressive muscle relaxation, had failed. When a behavioural analysis was conducted and treatment was selected according to the analysis, full recovery resulted and was maintained through long follow-up. The case study illustrates a clinically useful way to choose the treatment technique when many techniques exist to treat a presenting problem.
Getting Fit: A Minimal Intervention for Aerobic Exercise
Authors: Lee Christina
Published: July 2016

Forty-five university students were assigned on a sequential basis to either a face-to-face or a self-help exercise program for 12 weeks. Pretests and posttests included anthropometric and physiological variables, field tests of aerobic capacity, and psychological variables which had previously been identified as predictors of adherence to exercise. Both groups showed significant increases in aerobic capacity and reported increases in general well-being, suggesting that self-help programs may be as effective as more structured interventions in facilitating exercise. However, self-reports 12 weeks later suggested that maintenance was quite poor for both groups. Measures of body composition showed few changes over 12 weeks. Psychological variables generally failed to predict success with either program. It is suggested that variables derived from narrowly social-cognitive approaches to health-related behaviour change may fail to take account of social and environmental constraints which may be important in understanding and predicting maintenance with health-related exercise.
The Role of Family Intervention in the Treatment of Child Anxiety Disorders: Some Preliminary Findings
Authors: Dadds Mark R. , Heard Paula M. , Rapee Ron M.
Published: July 2016

Anxiety and fear are among the most common and distressing problems reported by children and adolescents. However, these problems have received little attention from behavioural family theorists and therapists. In this paper, we argue that more attention needs to be paid to evaluating the role of family interaction processes in the development and treatment of child anxiety disorders. A program of research is described including a treatment outcome study in which family processes and behavioural family intervention are evaluated with 7- to 14-year-old children with overanxious, separation anxiety, and avoidant disorders. The family treatment focuses on how parents interact with their child during displays of anxiety, their management of emotional upsets, and family communication and problem-solving skills. Preliminary results of the family treatment are presented.
Hyperhidrosis: A Case Study and Theoretical Formulation
Authors: Moylan Ann , Dadds Mark R.
Published: July 2016

A case study is presented of a 20-year-old male who experienced marked increases in body temperature and profuse sweating of the forehead and trunk when in formal social situations. No other physiological nor psychological manifestations of anxiety were admitted to and no situational avoidance was reported. Pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up self-report measures and daily self-monitoring of intensity and frequency of sweating were collected to evaluate treatment effects. Treatment was conducted over a period of 20 weeks. Cued conditioning and desensitisation were initially employed, however treatment effect was difficult to determine. The effects of an inadvertent in vivo exposure in week 6 of treatment and the subsequent change in treatment to exposure and cognitive therapy are discussed. The positive effects of treatment, which led to a decrease in the frequency and intensity of the sweating response, were evident at the completion of treatment and well maintained at 60 weeks follow-up. The use of exposure and cognitive therapy as a suitable treatment for this disorder are discussed in light of other anxiety disorders.
The World Congress of Behaviour Therapy: A Brief Report
Authors: Sanders Matthew R. , Halford W. Kim
Published: July 2016

The Fourth World Congress of Behaviour Therapy, held on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia between July 4–8, 1992 was an important event in the professional calendars of many behaviour therapists internationally. It was hosted by the Australian Behaviour Modification Association, in association with the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy, and the European Association of Behavior Therapy. This 3-yearly event provides an important opportunity for behaviour therapists from around the world to meet, socialise, exchange information, perspectives and ideas, and establish or extend colleague networks in a multicultural context. As the first World Congress on Behaviour Therapy to be held in the southern hemisphere, it achieved the same high standard of previous congresses in Israel, Washington, and Edinburgh, producing a balanced and stimulating program addressing most of the major areas of contemporary behaviour therapy research and clinical practice.
Do Australian Behaviourists Have a Heart?
Authors: Murphy Nada J.
Published: July 2016

Are Australian behaviourists compassionate and caring? Do we bother to find out what our consumers want? Do our consumers find our approach acceptable or are we running the risk of becoming an endangered species? These questions are considered along with how we might approach the problems the species of Australian behaviourists face so that our heart can beat steadily well in to the nineties.
Is the Fear Questionnaire (FQ) a Useful Instrument for Patients with Anxiety Disorders?
Authors: Moylan Ann , Oei Tian P.S.
Published: July 2016

The Fear Questionnaire (FQ) has been widely used both nationally and internationally in the anxiety disorder literature. Research from a variety of centres advocating its psychometric properties and clinical utility is now available; however a critical and integrated review has been lacking. This paper offers an integration of empirical research for cross-cultural comparison and as a testament of the FQ itself. A refined FQ is also proposed to enhance its utility.
Social Competence of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ralph Alan
Published: July 2016

For those aiming to improve the social competence of others, the choice is usually between shaping specific micro-skills or more general problem-solving. While these are not mutually exclusive in practice, research has tended to investigate them separately. One of the major issues facing those targeting micro-skills is their validity in the setting of concern. For those targeting problemsolving, the issue is predominantly one of triggering problem-solving behaviour in the absence of trainer prompts. Other major issues which still have to be satisfactorily resolved include the identification and assessment of children requiring improved social skills and social competence. In addition, there is a need to remind ourselves that while improved social skills should lead to improved judgments about an individual's social competence, the latter is a somewhat abstract notion which tells us little about an individual's goals and objectives. While improved social competence should be one of our goals, it must be anchored to well defined behavioural objectives. One can be the life and soul of a party and receive high social competence ratings, yet be lonely and isolated once the party ends.
Developments in the Assessment of Social Skills and Social Competence in Children
Authors: Spence Susan H.
Published: July 2016

The present paper reviews recent developments in the assessment of children's social competence and social skills. Current conceptual models of social competence and social skills are discussed and provide a basis against which assessment measures can be evaluated. Although many measures are now available, there is a lack of integration of assessment devices within a conceptually sound framework of an assessment system. Such an assessment system should distinguish between social competence and social skills, should take into account developmental, sex and cultural factors, and should assess at micro-versus macro-skill and overt versus cognitive levels of behaviour. The system should then integrate information within a cognitive-behavioural analysis, using data from a wide range of informants, from a range of settings. Greater attention to matters of reliability and validity of assessment measures is also necessary in the development of such a system.
The Relationship between Severity of Combat Exposure and Army Status on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among Australian Vietnam War Veterans
Authors: Hennessy Brian , Oei Tian P.S.
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the relationship between the level of combat exposure and army status (regular army soldiers vs national servicemen) and the subsequent development of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sixty-four Australian infantrymen who were exposed to combat stress in Vietnam were used in this study. They were divided into four groups based on combat exposure and status as a regular or conscripted soldier. Subjects were assessed 23 years after their tour of duty in Vietnam for PTSD and psychiatric symptomatology using a PTSD inventory based on DSM-III-R criteria, the Self-report Checklist 90 (SCL-90), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Impact of Events Scale (IES), the Mississippi Scale for Combat-related PTSD (Mississippi Scale), the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and a demographic questionnaire. Results showed that 29.85% of the veterans have a positive diagnosis of PTSD according to self-report of symptoms based on the DSM-III-R criteria, while 54.89% of the remaining veterans suffer major symptoms of this disorder. MANOVA results show that neither the level of combat exposure nor the army status of the veterans had any significant effect on their psychiatric symptomatology as measured by the SCL-90, the BDI, the IES, and the STAI.
Feminism and Behaviourism in Academia: Strategies for Change
Authors: Allen Felicity
Published: July 2016

This paper considers the employment of women academics in Australia and describes ideological sources of individual cognitions about the acceptability of the jobs typically performed by women in academia. A cognitive-behavioural model is used to explore the role of certain group behaviours in maintaining power divisions between the sexes. It is suggested that women can control aspects of their interactions with others in ways that might facilitate their promotion. The importance of time and resource management in making these changes is emphasised. The questions of reconciling the issues of feminism and behaviourism in dealing with co-workers in tertiary education are discussed. The context is not a client/therapist interaction and the model of behaviour change underlying this article is participant rather than administrative, in that it assumes that at least some members of both sexes within Australian universities will take responsibility for self-directed behaviour change. The purpose of this paper is to consider the areas of academic politics, both micro and macro, which might be susceptible to change by people using self-directed behaviour modification techniques.
Child Survival in the Third World: A Functional Analysis of Oral Rehydration Therapy Dissemination Campaigns
Authors: de Balcazar Yolanda Suarez , Balcazar Fabricio E.
Published: July 2016

About 4 million children die every year as a result of dehydration caused by acute diarrhoea. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is designed to prevent dehydration. In the past 10 years, several campaigns have been conducted throughout the world, mostly sponsored by the World Health Organization, to disseminate ORT, particularly in developing countries. This paper presents a review of 14 ORT campaigns categorising their components according to whether the researchers used antecedents, behaviours, and/or consequences. Only three campaigns manipulated all three components. Antecedent events were manipulated in all of the studies. A skills training component appears to influence the effectiveness of the campaign, since several new behaviours and complex discriminations need to be learned for people to use ORT correctly. The benefits of functionally analysing the components of current ORT campaigns are highlighted.
An Illustrative Case for the Value of Individual Analysis Following a Between-group Experimental Design
Authors: Molloy Geoffrey N.
Published: July 2016

Proponents of between-group experimentation are quick to point out that parametric methods are superior to the experimental analysis of individual responses on the grounds that group statistical designs have external validity by virtue of random sampling and standardised rules and conventions for hypothesis testing. In contrast, advocates of single-case experimental designs invariably invoke the argument that a major limitation of between-group methodology is that the averaging of results masks individual differences. The data presented illustrate some strengths and weaknesses of both procedures and demonstrate that generalising from groups to individuals can be practically useless.
An Analysis of Independent Engagement of Persons with Profound Multiple Handicaps
Authors: Adlem Andrew , Arco Lucius , Ngan Carolyn
Published: July 2016

This study examined independent engagement in leisure activities of six institutionalised persons with profound multiple handicaps. Independent engagement was defined as manipulating leisure materials in the absence of concurrent resident-staff interactions. A 10-month intervention comprised leisure materials enrichment, assignment of staff duties including leisure activities manager, staff training and supervision. A time-series reversal design with momentary time sampled observations was used. Results showed increases and maintenance of not only engagement accompanied by staff interaction, but also of independent engagement. Resident-staff interaction was also increased and maintained. Problems and directions for future research are discussed.
A Critical Review of Determinants of Smoking Cessation
Authors: Oldenburg Brian , Pope Julie
Published: July 2016

The problems of relapse and recidivism have received increasing attention in smoking research over the past ten years. Researchers and clinicians alike have come to understand smoking as a complex process consisting of a number of stages. This paper reviews recent models and theories of the change process as well as those studies which have examined the determinants of the quitting process. Finally, the implications of these developments for smoking cessation strategies directed at the prevention of relapse are discussed.
Effects of a Videotape Intervention on Pap Smear Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour
Authors: O'Brien Sian , Lee Christina
Published: July 2016

This study assessed the capacity of modelling videotapes to promote Pap smear screening. A total of 245 women watched videotapes modelling the process of Pap smear testing, and completed pre- and post-questionnaires which assessed knowledge and attitudes relating to Pap smears and cervical cancer. 186 also completed follow-up questionnaires five weeks later. Behavioural effects were strong. One third of those women identified as due for a Pap smear reported having had the test by follow-up. Initial levels of knowledge of Pap smears and of risk factors for cervical cancer were low, but increased significantly at post-test and follow-up. Health Belief Model variables, particularly perceived barriers, were associated with reported Pap smear behaviour, but a large proportion of the variance remained unexplained. The results suggest that modelling videotapes of this type, combined with appropriate encouragement and reassurance from medical practitioners, could significantly increase Pap smear rates and thus increase the detection and treatment of cervical cancer in its early stages.
Desensitisation of Childhood Fears and Phobias: Psychophysiological Analyses
Authors: King Neville J. , Ollendick Thomas H. , Gullone Eleonora
Published: July 2016

Compared to the study of adult fears, childhood fears have not been extensively investigated in terms of their psychophysiological bases. However, limited findings suggest that children exhibit psychophysiological reactivity to fear-eliciting stimuli. Other data suggest that fear imagery produces psychophysiological arousal and that youngsters may be trained in fear imagery. Psychophysiological measures have also been used in the evaluation of desensitisation as seen in a limited number of case studies, single-subject experimental analyses and group outcome comparisons. In general, psychophysiological changes have been reported that are suggestive of reduced autonomic arousal. Methodological and theoretical issues are discussed including the selection of psychophysiological measures and the desynchrony between measures of fear.
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Depression: Empirical Findings and Methodological Issues in the Evaluation of Outcome
Authors: Wilson Peter H.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to examine the treatment-outcome literature related to cognitive-behaviour therapy for depression in adults. Evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive-behaviour therapy is obtained from comparisons with waiting-list controls, non-specific controls, and other treatments, including pharmacotherapy. Short term effects are superior to those obtained with waitinglist controls, but are at least equivalent to pharmacotherapy. Longer term effects are difficult to evaluate due to methodological problems in such studies, particularly the lack of maintenance medication comparison groups. Nevertheless, the long term effects appear to be promising. Issues and data concerning the prediction and prevention of relapse are discussed. It is recommended that future research should focus on broader assessment goals and include cost-benefit analyses.
Changes in Medication Use Following Participation in a Stress Management Course
Authors: Richards Jeff , Derham Deanne , Aeillo Judy , Byrnes Tess , Lienert Leanne , Wastell Liz
Published: July 2016

Thirty men and women who regularly used minor tranquillisers and/or sedatives participated in a stress management group program, incorporating a behavioural self-management approach. They were assessed on questionnaire measures of anxiety, assertion and medication use in the first and final group sessions and at a 3-month follow-up. Data demonstrated declines in medication use during the course, which for many clients were maintained at the follow-up. These decreases were associated with decreases in anxiety levels.
Reducing Inappropriate Behaviour in the Home with a Token Economy
Authors: Rustab K.E. , McLaughlin T.F.
Published: July 2016

The effects of a token program implemented in the home by a teacher were examined. The effects of a home token program were evaluated using a multiple baseline design across reading, spelling and handwriting lessons while disruptive behaviour was recorded. The results indicated that inappropriate behaviours decreased when the token program was implemented. Follow-up data indicated some increase in inappropriate behaviours. Spelling performance was higher in the student's classroom during the token program in the home than during baseline. This indicated some generalisation from the home token program to academic responding in the classroom.
Accessibility of Diagnostic Categories and Causal Attributions for an Interviewee's Behaviour
Authors: Love Anthony W. , Jackson Henry J.
Published: July 2016

Cognitive factors, such as the accessibility of schematic categories, have been shown to bias interpretation of information about other's behaviour. In this study, the effects of diagnostic category accessibility on subjects' causal attributions for an interviewee's behaviour were investigated. In order to activate a specific diagnostic category, making it more accessible for information encoding, mental health students completed a short test. Half answered questions about victims of rape attacks; the other half answered questions about the diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder. All subjects then rated their attribution for a female interviewee's non-verbal behaviour along four dimensions: Internality, Stability, Globality, and Controllability. Results indicated an interaction between type of course and experimental condition. Psychology undergraduate students in the Rape Victim condition tended to make more stable and global attributions than did Psychiatric Nursing and Masters of Psychological Medicine students. In addition, a significant main effect was found on the Controllability dimension. The subjects in the Personality Disorder condition rated the cause as significantly more controllable than did the subjects in the Rape Victim condition. Implications of the results are discussed.
Intensive Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Depression: Preliminary Findings with Four Country Residents
Authors: Schlosser Dieter , Kavanagh David J. , Wilson Peter H.
Published: July 2016

Clients who are unable to attend regular therapy sessions over an extended period present a challenge for treatment. This paper describes a brief intensive program of cognitive therapy for depression that was designed for four residents of country towns. Effects were highly consistent with the impact of group treatments delivered on a more traditional schedule. If confirmed in a controlled group study, these results suggest that cognitive therapy may be applied more economically and more widely than was previously realized.
The “Lillee Tic”: A Common but Unnoted Stereotypic Motor Disorder
Authors: Hudson Alan
Published: July 2016

For some years the author has casually observed the existence of a stereotypic motor disorder which does not appear to have been mentioned in the literature on tic disorders (e.g. Azrin & Nunn, 1973; Hersen & Eisler, 1973; Lanyon & Goldsworthy, 1982). The tic usually occurs when the person is walking along the street, although it can occur inside buildings, but only during walking. The tic begins with a sort of jump which results in one foot being thrust forward. Thereafter follows a flourish of arm waving which includes one arm being extended and swung through a 360° arc. The extended arm is usually the right arm, although occasionally it might be the left. Any particular ticquer, however, will exclusively use only either the right or the left arm.

It is interesting to note that the tic occurs only in males. The age of onset is usually about six years. A possible reason for the tic not being referred to in the literature is that spontaneous remission typically occurs at about 12 years. Another interesting feature of the tic is that it is only manifested during the summer months, becoming dormant during the winter period.
The Effects of Direct and Implicit Non-contingent Rewards on Children's Performance of a Fine Motor Skills Task
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F.
Published: July 2016

The effects of non-contingent rewards administered both directly and implicitly for a fine motor skills task were investigated under a time-series design. Data were collected from all members of a typical class, with the teacher acting as experimenter to enhance generalizability. Results indicated that non-contingent rewards possessed neutral consequential effects, thus challenging data from some previous studies which have methodological limitations. The ineffectiveness of non-contingent rewards as reinforcers is discussed, with several suggestions made for future research to investigate the issue of previous reward history and its effect upon the non-contingent reward condition.
Cognitive Interventions in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Authors: Creamer Mark
Published: July 2016

It is argued that earlier models of obsessive-compulsive behaviour have failed to take adequate account of the role of cognitions. A new model is therefore presented, highlighting the major stages of an obsessive-compulsive episode and thereby allowing identification of the point at which cognitive interventions may be made. It is concluded that cognitive techniques may be most useful in assisting patients to “self-expose” and voluntarily instigate response prevention in the absence of the therapist. There is a need for further research in the area, particularly to clarify which cognitive interventions are being used and at which points in the episode.
The Birth of Behaviour Change: A Call for Articles on Behavioural Programming in Australasia
Authors: King Neville J. , Millier Peter
Published: July 2016

This is the first issue of Behaviour Change, a publication of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association. Since the formation of behaviour modification interest groups within the various states in the 1970s, two publications have appeared, i.e. the Australian Behaviour Therapist (ABT) and the South Australian Behaviour Therapist (SABT). The Sydney-based ABT served the function of a national newsletter/journal, while the SABT concentrated upon meeting local needs. For various reasons the ABT and SABT have ceased publication. It has always been the consensus of opinion, however, the there should be a regular publication of some kind on “behaviour modification”. A significant step was taken when the National Committee of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association, May 1983 (Adelaide), recommended that the Victorian Branch investigate the “feasibility and format” of a regular publication. The Victorian Branch presented a written report to the National Committee, September 1983 (Sydney), recommending a regular publication and specific guidelines with respect to content and management. After much discussion, it was agreed that the publication be called Behaviour Change, and that the Victorian Branch take responsibility for the endeavour. After several years it is expected that another Branch will take over the responsibility of publishing Behaviour Change.
Comparing Interventions Using the Alternating Treatments Design
Authors: Watson Janine E. , Singh Nirbhay , Winton Alan S.W.
Published: July 2016

The alternating treatments design which is increasingly being used in single subject research is described. This design allows the differential effectiveness of two or more treatments to be investigated by presenting each of them separately in closely spaced sessions, with the order of presentation alternated. Consideration is given to the types of behavior and contexts that are most appropriate for use with this design and also to factors important for ensuring its effectiveness and the valid interpretation of the resulting data.
Designing an Organisational Environment Supportive of In-Service Training Programs: A Comment on Wheldall and Merrett
Authors: Murphy Gregory C.
Published: July 2016

This paper addresses organisational issues associated with the effective use of Batpack, an in-service training program described by Wheldall and Merrett as aimed at training practising teachers in a number of key behavioural skills. It is argued that the key to developing training programs which have long-term maintenance of training effects is to have organisational environments which support appropriate work behaviours of teachers. This means that a careful consideration of the antecedents and consequences associated with the daily work activities of all organisational members must be carried out to ensure that training gains will not be extinguished or punished by organisational policy and practices.
Behavioural Marital Therapy: Current Status, Limitations, and Directions for Further Research
Authors: Halford Kim , Sanders Matt
Published: July 2016

Behavioural marital therapy (BMT) is a promising approach to the pervasive concern of lack of marital satisfaction. BMT produces gains in marital satisfaction which are statistically significantly superior to no treatment controls. However when more stringent criteria for success are applied, which are of greater clinical relevance, success rates are moderate. It is argued the limitations of BMT efficacy may be due to three faults in the current conceptualization and practice of BMT. Firstly, while some recognition of the role of cognitions has been made, the salient cognitions of distressed couples have not been clearly described in specific social contexts. Secondly, the cognitive interventions used do not relate clearly to identified maladaptive cognitions. Finally, the generalization of therapeutic effects has been assessed insufficiently, and generalization has not been programmed into therapeutic procedures. Specific suggestions are offered which may help to help overcome these problems.
Introduction to Mini-Series on Schizophrenia
Authors: Jackson Henry J. , Singh Nirbhay N.
Published: July 2016

It is fitting that the first mini-series issue of Behaviour Change should be devoted to an exposition of current cognitive-behavioural treatments for various aspects of schizophrenia. The disorder has a surprisingly high incidence in the population. Approximately 1 in 100 people will develop schizophrenia during the course of their life-time (Cancro, 1980). Arieti (1981) observes that more hospital beds are occupied by individuals suffering from schizophrenia than from any other psychiatric or medical problem, including cancer or cardiovascular disease.

The introduction of the phenothiazines in the 1950s resulted in dramatic increases in hospital discharges for schizophrenic patients but did little to change the “revolving-door” phenomenon. This chronic relapsing population is characterized as “the patient's having been admitted to an inpatient mental health facility several times and/or having been hospitalized for a period of at least a year on a single admission,” as well as possessing “a number of deficits in adaptive behavior” (Matson, 1980, p. 169). Indeed, whilst the schizophrenic individual's most florid symptoms e.g. delusions, hallucinations and thought disorder, may be well controlled on even minimal dosages of the neuroleptics (generally leading to that person's discharge from hospital), other social and self-care deficits may remain prominent reminders of the patient's difficulties in everyday living.

The chronic schizophrenic patient's deficits are characterized by an ambivalent relationship with the outside world. On the one hand he displays a lack of willingness or ability to interact appropriately with other people, and on the other hand, he depends on significant others such as a parent, other relative, or even a health professional. Despite this, he has a poor social network. He has reduced expectations of himself, is unable to effectively problem-solve, and his lifestyle reflects a desire to have an uneventful existence, free from harrassment. He becomes alienated from society, and may be unable to seek and gain employment, live independently, or manage routine responsibilities, e.g. financial budgeting.
Trends in Behaviour Therapy: Progression or Regression?
Authors: Martin Paul R.
Published: July 2016

Trends in behaviour therapy are considered from the advent of cognitive behaviour modification to the more recently suggested emphases on affective and unconscious processes. The thrust towards integrating different schools of psychotherapy is also briefly reviewed. The gains and losses associated with the trends are discussed. Some suggestions for the future are offered with respect to potentially profitable directions for behaviourally orientated researchers, practitioners and teachers to follow. A general theme of the paper is that behaviour therapy appears to be fractionating at an accelerating rate, and whilst this carries the potential for some very significant advances, it also carries the potential for destroying the unique contribution of the behavioural approach.
Misconceptions about Behaviour Therapy: Their Sources and Consequences
Authors: Wolpe Joseph
Published: July 2016

Despite a well-documented record of notable success in the treatment of neuroses, behaviour therapy is little taught in academic departments. A major reason for this appears to be the existence of an unending stream of misinformation about it. This paper describes the essential features of modern behaviour therapy of the neuroses, and the range of its therapeutic effects. It outlines some major sources of misinformation and their stifling effect on the academic spread of behaviour therapy.
Fallability in the Visual Assessment of Behavioural Interventions: Time-Series Statistics to Analyse Time-Series Data
Authors: Sharpley Christopher
Published: July 2016

The use of visual analysis alone to determine the presence of significant and generalizable effects in typical behavioural interventions is subject to a series of possible errors which result in high levels of unreliability when data are analysed in this way. The presence of autocorrelation in most behavioural data poses a serious threat to visual and traditional analysis of such data, a threat which can be avoided by use of the more appropriate interrupted time-series (TMS) statistics. Although previously suggested as reasons for not using TMS procedures, the issues of model-identification and number of data points required for TMS are discussed and shown to be invalid arguments against the use of TMS. A case is made for visual analysis of behavioural data as an appropriate procedure only under certain constrained clinical conditions.
Some Normative Data on Preschool Children's Social Behaviours
Authors: Ballard Keith D. , Crooks Terence J.
Published: July 2016

Data on rate and qualitative features of social interactions and on peer social involvement in play were obtained from repeated observation measures taken across 14 to 23 weeks on two children randomly selected from each of 6 kindergartens. Session-by-session variability was found to be a feature of the social interaction and social play data, and there was evidence that social behaviours may vary systematically across different kindergarten settings. A case is made for obtaining normative data in each setting of interest in order to identify atypical behaviour and to evaluate the social validity of intervention outcomes.
In Vivo Practice for Needle Phobia: Report on Two Cases
Authors: Kavanagh David J. , Knight Deborah A. , Ponzio Vince
Published: July 2016

Two case studies are described where in vivo practice was applied to needle phobia and associated vasovagal fainting. Substantial improvements in self-efficacy, anxiety and performance were obtained. Treatment gains generalised to other settings and were maintained at three to six months foliowup. In vivo practice is recommended for further research into needle phobias.
Behavioural Assessment in Sport Psychology
Authors: Jackson Mervyn
Published: July 2016

The direct and indirect behavioural assessment measures are outlined and illustrated with examples from research in the sport psychology field. The major issues of behavioural assessment are related to this area of research and recommendations for the future direction of this research are made.
Cognitive Processes and Sports Performance
Authors: McLean Neil J.
Published: July 2016

In focussing on the relationship between cognition and sports performance, sports psychology is following a trend evident in other areas in psychology. Sports psychology research has borrowed conceptually and methodologically from cognitive-behavioural researchers within clinical psychology. This article reviews five areas of research: imagery; self talk; self efficacy; attentional focus and concentration; and decision making. Of these topics, imagery has attracted the most research interest, and strategies of mental rehearsal are frequently used by athletes.

Attempts to apply the theories of self talk and self efficacy to sports performance appear promising. The self efficacy research has demonstrated that expectations of success influence performance. As yet, little attention has been paid to the second part of Bandura's theory: the effect of outcome expectations on performance.

The sporting environment is often complex with the athlete frequently required to make numerous decisions. Decision making has been studied in a range of settings (e.g., medical decision making, jury decisions etc.) but has been largely ignored by sports psychologists. Issues relating to the decision making of the athlete are discussed.