bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training community residential staff: Evaluation and follow‐up
Authors: Rosen Howard S. , Yerushalmi Cydney J. , Walker Jane C.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive residential direct‐care staff training program on staff knowledge, record keeping, habilitation delivery, and turnover. A 40‐hour training course was presented to 18 direct‐care staff employed in three community residential facilities (CRF), while 18 staff in three other CRFs were placed on a waiting list. Sixteen of 18 trained staff (89%) increased use of habilitation activities, averaging 35.44% programming after training. Only six (33%) of the staff on the waiting list increased programming. The effectiveness of training was assessed against the gains of developmentally disabled (DD) consumers. In the training group, 31 of 36 (86.11%) residents increased on‐task behavior while only 7 of 22 (31.6%) of the waiting list residents increased on‐task behavior. Training also yielded improved client program records and a 50% decrease in staff turnover. Follow‐up over 12 months showed behavior maintenance. Results suggest that training based on clear learner objectives, presented using behavioral procedures, and taught to the entire staff including managers improves staff performance and client benefit.
Characteristics of the mentally retarded adolescent offender and their implications for residential treatment design
Authors: Denkowski George C. , Denkowski Kathryn M.
Published: June 2007

While numerous residential programs for mentally retarded adolescent offenders have been established throughout this country, no empirically‐based population characteristics have been compiled which are sufficient to guide their systematic design. This study assessed 65 such young offenders along various treatment‐relevant dimensions, and used the resultant data to portray an average, hypothetical youth. Based on that profile, a compatible habilitation model was derived. It was concluded that a basic point economy, augmented by timeout procedures and supported by a secure (locked) setting, seems to be a viable approach for initiating treatment with these youth. Thereafter, programming should continue in a nonsecure group home, and finally, on an outpatient basis, in the generic community service system.
A survey of state policies regarding the use of restrictive/aversive behavior modification procedures
Authors: Spreat Scott , Lipinski David P.
Published: June 2007

A survey was conducted of the state policies regarding the use of restrictive/ aversive behavior modification procedures with mentally retarded persons. Policies varied substantially with respect to both scope and length; however, the overwhelming majority required that behavior modification programs be developed through the interdisciplinary planning process. No consistent pattern emerged with respect to the review and approval process for the use of aversive procedures. Approximately 75% of the states appear to permit the use of restraint as a treatment modality. Policies direct only minimal attention to the issue of training staff to implement aversive procedures. From the results of the survey, a model for the use of aversive procedures was developed and is presented.
Evaluating the quality of training delivered by direct‐care staff in a state mental retardation center
Authors: Realon Rodney E. , Wheeler Andrew J. , Spring Bonnie , Springer Michael
Published: June 2007

This study evaluated a center‐wide training system in a state‐operated mental retardation center. Staff performance was assessed under varying conditions with collateral measures collected on resident behavior. The quality of training delivered by direct‐care staff was measured following the completion of an inservice training program and when individual feedback and praise were available or a group contingency where feedback, praise, and money were available. Inservice training was not found to be sufficient to maintain staff training skills. Providing feedback and praise had mixed results in maintaining staff behavior. A group contingency using feedback, praise, and money was found to be immediately effective in improving and maintaining staff behavior. Collateral measures on student behavior were also provided that indicated that consistent, quality training by staff resulted in increased student skill acquisition. These results are discussed within the framework of conducting research in applied settings.
Arranging a residential environment for the developmentally disabled to generate and maintain verbal behavior
Authors: Redinger Robyn , Alger Kathleen , Thomas Don R.
Published: June 2007

A specialized residential unit was assembled at a state residential facility for mentally retarded residents in order to provide services for individuals who lacked functional speech but who were capable of learning manual signs. Program development focused on four areas. First, a routine was designed to engage residents in functional training activities throughout the day. Second, opportunities to teach signed verbal behavior within all components of the routine were identified. Third, structured training sessions were developed to augment training within normal daily living activities. Fourth, multiple staff training strategies were initiated. Initial outcome data indicate that signing skills of both staff and residents improved.
Duration of negative practice and the reduction of leg pounding of a traumatically brain‐injured adult
Authors: Lewis Frank D. , Blackerby William F. , Ross Janet Rainwater , Guth Mark L. , Cronkey Ronald F. , White Melvin J. , Cook Tina
Published: June 2007

This study evaluated the relative efficacy of long (1 minute) and short (15 seconds) durations of negative practice for reducing self‐stimulatory leg pounding of a traumatically brain‐injured adult. In individual social skill training classes, long negative practice and short negative practice were administered concurrently in an alternating treatments design. Generalization of treatment effects outside of training sessions was assessed during the client's lunch period. The results revealed that both durations of negative practice were equally effective in reducing leg pounding during training sessions. However, the effects of training did not generalize to settings in which the practice contingency was not enforced. Pounding was more frequent and negative practice somewhat less effective during periods of high social stimulation.
Behavior treatment, behavior management, and behavior control: Needed distinctions
Authors: Gardner William I. , Cole Christine L.
Published: June 2007

Behavioral procedures are used frequently with persons who present the dual handicapping conditons of mental retardation and chronic behavior difficulties. It is suggested that behavior management and behavior control procedures are used excessively and at the expense of active behavior treatment. It is recommended that behavior treatment staff be more discriminating in use of these classes of procedures, and that the major focus of behavioral programs be that of active treatment.
Assessing pharmacological and contingency management interventions with mentally retarded adolescents in a residential treatment program
Authors: Luiselli James K. , Evans Tracy P.
Published: June 2007

Two studies were performed using applied behavior analytic methodology to evaluate pharmacological and contingency management interventions with mentally retarded adolescents in a residential treatment facility. In the first study, stimulant (methylphenidate) and beta‐blocking (propranolol) medications were compared with an overcorrection procedure to manage the disruptive vocalizing of a 14‐year‐old female. In the second study. the effects of thioridazine and a reinforcement‐response interruption program on stereotypic body‐rocking of an 18‐year‐old male were assessed. Both studies failed to demonstrate a positive response from any of the prescribed medications. Substantial reductions in behavior did occur with application of the contingency management programs. The programs were equally effective whether utilized alone or in combination with medication. Assessment and programmatic issues in the area of clinical behavioral pharmacology are discussed.
Using a token economy in a community‐based residential program for disabled adults: An empirical evaluation leads to program modification
Authors: Stocks J. Timothy , Thyer Bruce A. , Kearsley Mariann
Published: June 2007

The effects of an existing token reinforcement program upon the acquisition and maintenance of independent living skills of 12 disabled adults in two halfway houses were investigated. Tokens (points) were used to purchase advancement up a step/level system, pay daily “rent,” and purchase curfew extensions. Tokens were effective in maintaining independent living skill behaviors. However, hearing clients showed a decrease in independent living skill behaviors over the course of the program, while hearing impaired clients showed no change. This paradoxical finding appeared to be the result of inadvertant program contingencies that allowed a decrease in desired behaviors as subjects advanced to higher steps. The authors discuss how the program would be modified to increase behaviors associated with independent living skills.
Assessing teaching opportunities in a residential treatment facility
Authors: McGuire Patricia S. , Vanburen Pat , Alger Kathleen , Thomas Don R.
Published: June 2007

Seventeen living units in a residential treatment facility for developmentally disabled persons were assessed to determine the availability of teaching opportunities during the course of a normal day's routine. Teaching opportunities exist when the environment is arranged so that residents can participate in the ongoing activities. The teaching opportunities are identified within components that are recognizable activities that occur routinely and have a functional purpose. An assessment form was constructed as a means for documenting teachng opportunities. Assessments were conducted continuously from early morning through evening activities. The results of the assessments suggested that two approaches to resident care were in operation at the facility: one was characterized by a traditional care/custodial model, the other was characterized by a teaching model. On units where the number of teaching opportunities available was high, there was a smaller percentage of unstructured time, i.e., blocks of time when opportunities to engage in structured activities were not available to the residents.
The rate and amount of food intake as determinants of vomiting
Authors: Azrin Nathan H. , Jamner Jacques P. , Besalel Victoria A.
Published: June 2007

Vomiting of nonmedical origin by retarded persons has been found to be greatly influenced by reinforcement procedures. To explicate the possible influence of the rate and amount of food intake, a satiation procedure and a spaced‐eating procedure were provided to three profoundly retarded adults with this problem. Vomiting was found to double or triple after satiation for each subject, and to decrease during spaced eating for each subject; the decrease was especially great for the two subjects who learned to eat most slowly after extended spaced eating training. These results suggest that vomiting is caused in large part by excessive stomach loading and can be effectively treated by reducing the eating rate and/or amount of food intake. This generalization may also apply to infants and to the bulimic binge‐purge cycle of nonretarded adults.
Visual screening as a reductive procedure: An examination of generalization and duration
Authors: Clauser Brian , Gould Kevin
Published: June 2007

Visual screening procedures have been shown to be effective in reducing a variety of topographically dissimilar responses displayed by developmentally disabled subjects. The procedure requires that a blindfold or bib be placed over the subjects eyes contingent on a target response. The screening procedure continues for a specified duration, usually under three minutes. Because target responses may occur during screening, the release from screening becomes contingent on the subject remaining target response free for the specified period. The present study replicates previous reports by showing the effectiveness of this procedure in reducing self‐injury displayed by an adult developmentally disabled women. It extends the available data by presenting information on the actual duration of screening required before the contingent release criterion was met. It also outlines a specific approach for generalization. Results show that the procedure was highly effective in reducing self‐injury. Successful generalization was accomplished across additional times, settings, and staff. Data on the duration of screening show a clear downward trend across applications.
Community behavior management: Characteristics of service‐providers, behaviors treated, and restrictive procedures used
Authors: Ryall Colleen , Miller Nancy Urban
Published: June 2007

A statewide survey of behavior management services provided to mentally retarded residents of community group homes was conducted. Results revealed that services were generally provided by on‐staff behavior therapists with bachelor's degrees. Aggression, inappropriate verbal behavior, noncompliance, property destruction, and tantrumming appeared on treatment caseloads most often. Restrictive procedures used most frequently were: token economy, extinction, simple restitution, response cost, and graduated guidance. Questions are raised concerning governing regulations and monitoring of community behavior management services as well as the role of group homes in Pennsylvania.
Prevalence of multiple problem behaviors in institutionalized nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded children
Authors: Dura Jason R. , Mulick James A. , Myers Eric G.
Published: June 2007

Deinstitutionalization has resulted in increasing degrees of mental and physical handicap in the populations served by residential care facilities. Previous research has linked increasing levels of handicap with increased risk of problem behaviors. The present study examines the prevalence of multiple problem behaviors in a residential center specializing in serving the needs of the most profoundly handicapped subgroup of children with mental retardation. The subjects were 51 male and 50 female (mean age = 13 years) children who were nonambulatory and profoundly mentally retarded. Prevalence of problematic behaviors are reported along with the risk of injury to self and others posed by the behaviors. The prevalence of problematic behaviors are discussed relative to changing patterns in institutional populations and the subsequent challenge regarding habilitative programming efforts.
Program evaluation of a comprehensive treatment package for mentally retarded offenders
Authors: Losada‐Paisey Gloria , Paisey Timothy J. H.
Published: June 2007

A comprehensive, behaviorally‐engineered residential treatment program for adult mentally retarded offenders, operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation, is described and evaluated. This secure facility, the Rehabilitation and Intensive Treatment Environment (RITE Unit), was located on the grounds of a large state‐operated institution. A full‐time equivalent of 19 professional and paraprofessional staff served a maximum of six participants within this time‐limited treatment program. Treatment of paraphilic and other offender behaviors over a one‐and‐a‐half year period included formal academic and vocational training, sex education, a unit token economy, and individual behavior therapy including sexual reconditioning. A comprehensive array of residential program services was also provided. Supported competitive employment, fading of program structure, and increased community participation were successively introduced. Of the seven persons admitted to the program, three attained the program goal of unsupervised community participation, while another two achieved significant progress. Abrupt administrative reorganization precluded assessment of maintenance and generalization of self‐control skills. However, results suggested that comprehensive behavioral treatment can effectively meet the needs of adult mentally retarded offenders, and corroborate the findings reported by G. C. Denkowski and his co‐workers (e.g., Denkowski & Denkowski. 1986) for younger groups.
Post‐treatment effects of token reinforcement, verbal praise, and self‐monitoring in a residential psychiatric program
Authors: Fuoco Frederick J. , Lawrence P. Scott , Vernon Janice B.
Published: June 2007

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of token reinforcement, verbal praise, and self‐monitoring on post‐treatment performance of bedroom preparation tasks by adult clients in a residential psychiatric program. Twenty‐four clients were randomly assigned to six experimental conditions (four subjects per condition) as follows: (1) contingent token reinforcement, (2) contingent verbal praise, (3) contingent token reinforcement plus contingent verbal praise, (4) self‐monitoring, (5) self‐monitoring plus contingent token reinforcement, and (6) control. All participants were exposed to a one week initial baseline period, then one week of their experimental condition, and finally, one week of a second baseline period. Research participants who received contingent token reinforcement engaged in bedroom‐area preparation tasks significantly less during the second baseline period of the study than during the initial baseline period. Verbal praise, however, produced a significant increase in performance from Baseline 1 to Baseline 2. The presence of both contingent token reinforcement and verbal praise produced a significant increase in performance during the second baseline period as compared to the control condition. This increase, however, was not found with concomitant token reinforcement and self‐monitoring. Changes in performance from Baseline 1 to Baseline 2 for participants assigned to the token reinforcement plus self‐monitoring condition were not significantly different from those found for participants assigned to the control condition. Implications of these results for clinical settings using token economies are presented.
A paramorphic representation of the acceptability of behavioral programming
Authors: Spreat Scott , Lipinski David , Dickerson Rick , Nass Robert , Dorsey Michael F.
Published: June 2007

Vignette methodology was used to assess factors associated with decisions regarding treatment acceptability. Three hundred and eleven professionals who worked with persons with mental retardation completed questionnaires on the restrictiveness of 12 procedures and on the acceptability of four unique vignettes. Treatment Acceptability was found to be a function of the subjective restrictiveness of the proposed procedure, the prognosis of the treatment program, the past use of other treatment procedures, and the likelihood of side effects. Acceptability from a Human Rights Committee perspective was seen to be a function of the restrictiveness of the proposed procedure, the prognosis, the use of other procedures, the target behavior severity, and the likelihood of side effects.
The use of brief restraint plus reinforcement to treat self‐injurious behavior
Authors: Konarski Edward A. , Johnson Moses R.
Published: June 2007

This study evaluated the use of brief arm restraint plus differential reinforcement of alternative behavior to treat the self‐injurious behavior of two residents with multiple handicaps and profound mental retardation. The study took place in a nursing home and sessions were conducted for 15 minutes, Monday through Friday. The design contained both multiple baseline and reversal components. Mean levels of self‐injurious behavior and stripping for one client were reduced from 92 to 16% and 81 to 2%, respectively, by the treatment. Her appropriate behavior increased from a mean of 18% in baseline to 100% in treatment. The second client's self‐injurious behavior averaged 39% in baseline, but was reduced to a mean of 9% in treatment. His throwing decreased from a mean of 54% prior to treatment to a mean of 2%, while appropriate object manipulation increased from 26 to 99%. These data support the use of brief restraint plus reinforcement for decelerating severe self‐injurious behaviors and accelerating appropriate behaviors in adults with profound mental retardation. The advantages of this treatment are that it appears to be less intrusive and to offer more educational benefits than other commonly used techniques.
Abuse of persons with mental retardation: A literature review
Authors: Furey Eileen M.
Published: June 2007

The literature reports a number of reasons why abuse of people with mental retardation occurs. These causes of abusive behavior can be divided into three categories: organizational variables, staff characteristics, and client characteristics. The author examines each of the variables and presents recommendations for reducing their contributions to abusive behavior.
Student learning as the basis for reinforcement to the instructor
Authors: Azrin Nathan H. , Jamner Jacques P. , Besalel Victoria A.
Published: June 2007

The present study reinforced the two instructors of two students with profound mental retardation first for the instructors' training behaviors, then for improved student learning in a multiple baseline across responses design. Reinforcement of the instructors' training behaviors increased their training behaviors, replicating the findings of previous studies, but had no effect on student learning. When the reinforcement for the instructors was instead made contingent upon student learning, the student learning improved and the instructors' high level of training behaviors was maintained. In addition, the instructors began to request training for themselves. These findings suggest that staff motivation programs for instructors might usefully base the reinforcers not only on the instructor's performance, but on the progress of their students.
An anger‐control intervention with aggressive delinquent youths
Authors: Hains Anthony A.
Published: June 2007

Social problem‐solving skills, a self‐instructional procedure, and a “thinking‐ahead” procedure were taught to institutionalized, aggressive, delinquent adolescents as part of an anger‐control intervention package. A multiple baseline design across four subjects and an alternating‐treatments design were used. The effects of intervention were assessed on problem‐solving ability, use of self‐guiding verbalizations for coping with anger provoking situations, reported frequency of anger‐control behaviors relative to loss of anger‐control incidents, and behavioral progress within the institution. All youths showed improvement during the training of problem solving on hypothetical dilemmas, with some generalization to untrained problems. Follow‐up data on some youths suggested maintenance of treatment gains. Three of the youths displayed increased usage of self‐instructions and thinking‐ahead statements during personal anger‐provoking situations. All youths displayed an increase in self‐reported anger‐control behaviors relative to loss of anger‐control. Improvements in behavior outside of the therapy sessions were indicated by positive behavioral progress within the institution.
Evaluating a ward staff program for increasing spontaneous and varied communicative gesturing with individuals who are mentally retarded
Authors: Seys Daniel , Kersten Henk , Duker Pieter
Published: June 2007

In the present study we assessed the effect of a multifaceted program for ward staff members, which was intended to have severely/profoundly mentally retarded individuals improve their use of communicative gestures. The program consisted of instruction, verbal and visual (publicly posted) graphic feedback. There were two categories of dependent variables. The first category involved the number of gesture prompts by staff, number of unused opportunities to evoke gestures, and number of consequences given for gestures. The second category involved handicapped individuals' number of prompted gestures, number of spontaneous gestures, and number of different gestures. Results show that the program was effective with regard to all these variables. Changes in the number of spontaneous gestures were especially remarkable, as this variable had not been influenced directly. Follow‐up data underline the effectiveness of the program.
Case study: Use of propranolol to reduce aggressive behavior in a woman who is mentally retarded
Authors: Calamari John E. , McNally Richard J. , Benson David S. , Babington Colleen M.
Published: June 2007

Although neuroleptic medications are frequently used to treat the aggressive behavior of persons with mental retardation, little empirical support exists for their efficacy. In the case study reported here, the beta‐blocker propranolol was used to treat the aggressive behavior of a 23‐year‐old woman with severe mental retardation. Initiation of treatment was correlated with a dramatic decrease in aggression and a less pronounced improvement in self‐injurious behavior (SIB). An increase in resting heart‐rate was associated with a significant increase in aggression, and progressive increases in propranolol dosage were correlated with reductions in heart rate and in significant behavioral improvement. Consideration of propranolol as a less intrusive, and possibly more effective, pharmacologic treatment for the aggressive behavior of persons with mental retardation is discussed.
Case study: Improving the social interactions of a group home resident with severe and multiple disabilities
Authors: Gardner Ralph , Heward William L.
Published: June 2007

A 43‐year‐old man with severe mental retardation and sensory impairments and a long history of behavior problems was taught to interact more appropriately with staff members at his community‐based group home. The following behaviors were targeted for change within a multiple baseline design: use of an appropriate cueing response to initiate a conversation; keeping his hands to himself when conversing with another; and not ‘badgering’ people by repeating the same question over and over. Instructions and feedback produced small, unstable improvements in the subject's behavior. When token reinforcement was added to the treatment package, large and immediate improvements were noted. The improved levels of social interactions were maintained after token reinforcement was withdrawn, suggesting the operation of naturally occurring contingencies of reinforcement.
Brief report: Non‐intrusive operant analysis of aggressive behavior in persons with mental retardation
Authors: Paisey Timothy J. H. , Whitney Robert B. , Hislop Pamela M.
Published: June 2007

A procedure for operant analysis of aggressive behavior was derived from multi‐element assessment methods that have been previously applied to both self‐injurious and stereotypic responding. Analog sessions included No Interaction Baseline, Social Disapproval, Demand, Social Reinforcement, and Discriminated Extinction conditions, repeatedly presented within a multi‐element design. Three men with differing severity of mental retardation, communicative deficits and aggressive behavior were exposed to multiple brief analog sessions embedded within their normal meal‐time routines in group home settings. Mean frequencies of aggressive behavior and concurrent eating indicate that, while aggressive behavior was negatively reinforced in all three participants, both social and non‐social contingencies were also prominent. The same contingencies which have been demonstrated to maintain self‐injury and stereotypic behavior can therefore also maintain aggression. Results suggest the feasibility of conducting relatively non‐intrusive analog assessments in community residences, and support the‐extension of functional analysis across differing classes of aberrant behavior.
Conversational skills training with a chronically hospitalized psychiatric inpatient
Authors: Curran James P. , Himadi Bill , Donahue‐Bennett Donna
Published: June 2007

While conversational skills training has been conducted with select psychiatric populations, it has rarely been used with severely debilitated inpatients. The purpose of this study was to use a multiple baseline design across conversational components to evaluate the effectiveness of a conversational skills training package to enhance the conversational repertoire of a severely impaired inpatient. Audiotaped conversations with a standard confederate were evaluated for the frequency of questions, self‐disclosures, and reinforcing/acknowledging comments. Generalization probe conversations to novel partners were also obtained. Training effects were noted for the 3 conversational units. Mixed results were obtained for generalization and follow‐up.
Aversive procedures: The minnesota experience
Authors: Nord Gerald , Wieseler Norman A. , Hanson Ronald H.
Published: June 2007

Aversive and deprivation procedures for controlling and reducing challenging behaviors have received increasing attention. Many states have adopted guidelines on the use of these procedures treating persons with developmental disabilities. The Minnesota state rule promulgated in October, 1987 requires reviews from both local and state‐wide review committees on permitted, but controlled procedures. Data generated from state‐wide committees revealed that (a) state operated regional treatment centers (RTCs) employed individual habilitative training programs with controlled procedures more frequently than community‐based agencies (b) a higher proportion of RTC submissions were for treatment of self‐injury than submissions from community services, and (c) RTCs had a higher usage of mechanical restraints than community facilities with both services settings using manual restraints more frequently than all other controlled procedures combined. Reasons for the above differences in the two service settings were discussed.
Analysis of public verbal feedback as a staff management procedure
Authors: Wilson Philip G. , Reid Dennis H. , Korabek‐Pinkowski Cynthia A.
Published: June 2007

We evaluated public verbal feedback as a potentially effective and efficient means of improving institutional staff performance. Following baseline observations of the self‐help training conducted by three groups of direct care staff with clients who had profound mental retardation, verbal feedback was presented publicly to individual staff during routine staff meetings. The feedback addressed the (in)frequency of the staffs training endeavors and required only a few minutes to present. Results indicated that each group of staff increased their client training when the public verbal feedback was provided. Probes of client self‐help skills indicated that as the frequency of staff‐conducted training increased, client skill acquisition improved. Generalization measures indicated that staff increased only those work behaviors for which they received feedback. Results are discussed regarding the efficiency of public verbal feedback as a means of improving staff performance, as well as the need for research to continue expanding and refining a technology of staff management.
The effect of timeout duration on frequency of aggression in hospitalized children with conduct disorders
Authors: McGuffin Patrick W.
Published: June 2007

Timeout has been shown to be an effective procedure in the treatment of aggressive behaviors. Previous research, however, has not provided evidence to support the use of a particular timeout duration in the treatment of aggressive behavior. This study compared the effectiveness of four different timeout durations (1, 5, 10, and 20 min) in the treatment of aggressive behavior in hospitalized children with conduct disorders. Results did not support the use of extended periods of timeout, but suggested that 5 min duration was as or more effective than the other tested durations.
Brief report: Measuring self‐efficacy with female adolescents who are conduct disordered: Validation of the program efficacy scale
Authors: Vincent James , Houlihan Daniel
Published: June 2007

This study focused on measuring self‐efficacy with 44 female conduct disordered youth involuntarily placed in a long‐term residential setting. The Program Efficacy Scale (PES) was developed as a measure of self‐efficacy linked specifically to program completion. Construct validity for this measure was assessed by correlating it to the Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSE) developed by Tipton and Worthington (1984) and other measures of program success. The PES was found to be significantly related to the GSE, length of placement, level of program achievement, and effort ratings by staff. Possible uses for the PES in predicting success or failure with youth in residential settings are discussed.
Functional assessment and treatment of self‐injury in a pediatric, nursing‐care resident
Authors: Luiselli James K.
Published: June 2007

The present study addressed the functional assessment and treatment of self‐injury in an 18‐year‐old resident within a pediatric, nursing‐care facility. During Phase 1 of the study, the rate of self‐injurious eye‐pressing was recorded when the client wore large protective mittens and conditions in which the mittens were absent in order to evaluate sensory reinforcing effects from the behavior. These results led to a program of sensory extinction combined with stimulus fading. The program featured the gradual reduction in the size of the mittens while rates of self‐injury were maintained at reduced levels. During postfading assessment, near‐zero rates were recorded.
Groups of individuals who are moderately mentally retarded sharing their activities with passive low‐functioning companions
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Bouter Hans P. , Brouwer Jacobus A.
Published: June 2007

This study involves a program in which two groups of individuals with moderate mental retardation served as peer caregivers with two passive companions (trainees). The main question was whether each group would learn to plan and share daily activities with one trainee, increasing the trainee's activity level. Other questions were: (1) whether peer caregivers would enjoy working with the trainees; (2) whether the job of peer caregiver would occasion social/adaptive behaviors not usually observed in the peer caregivers' repertoire; and (3) whether staff would perceive program effects on peer caregivers' and trainees' behavior. Results showed that the groups of peer caregivers learned to perform independently and accurately, increasing and maintaining the activity of the trainees. Peer caregivers seemed to like (or at least not to mind) working with the trainees, and their job brought about social/adaptive behaviors not commonly seen in their repertoire. Staff ratings confirmed that the program had positive effects on trainees and peer caregivers. General implications of the findings are discussed.
Antecedent exercise and its effects on self‐stimulation
Authors: Powers Stephanie , Thibadeau Susan , Rose Ken
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on the self‐stimulatory and on‐task behaviors of an 8‐year‐old with developmental disabilities. For 10 min prior to a structured play session, the subject engaged in roller skating. This antecedent activity resulted in a decrease in the subject's self‐stimulatory behavior and a corresponding increase in his on‐task performance. Applications to educational programs and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Assessing the acceptability of staff management procedures to direct care and supervisory staff
Authors: Miltenberger Raymond G. , Larson Jan , Doerner Mark , Orvedal Laurie
Published: June 2007

Direct care and supervisory staff in five residential training programs for persons with mental retardation in North Dakota rated the acceptability of six staff management procedures. Overall, staff rated “Instructions”, “Instructions and Modeling”, “Feedback and Praise”, and “Instructions, Feedback, and Praise”, as significantly more acceptable than “Self‐Management” and “Self‐Management, Feedback and Praise”. There was a significant group by treatment interaction in which supervisors and direct care staff had significantly different acceptability rating for four of the six procedures. The results were further analyzed by group and implications and future research are discuessed.
Acceptability of behavioral interventions: Perceptions of superintendents of public residential facilities
Authors: Lindeman David P. , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Lennox David B.
Published: June 2007

The acceptability of behavioral procedures has been examined with many groups of individuals that have significant roles in the lives of persons with mental retardation. However, for those individuals that live in public residential facilities, one critical person in the decision making process is the superintendent. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability of treatments to superintendents of public residential facilities. Using the Treatment Evaluation Inventory (Kazdin, 1980), superintendents rated the acceptability of five treatments (DRO, Time‐out, medication, overcorrection and contingent shock) applied to a mild and severe behavior problem. The results showed a significant main effect for treatment and problem and a problem by treatment interaction. Acceptability was inversely related to treatment restrictiveness and, except for differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO), all treatments were more acceptable for the severe problem than for the mild problem.
Predictors of peer helpfulness: Implications for youth in residential treatment
Authors: Vincent James , Houlihan Daniel , Mitchell Patricia
Published: June 2007

Sociometric measures were used to predict peer helpfulness of youth in a residential treatment center. Seventeen female adolescents with conduct disorders were asked to choose three peers in their group who were most popular, similar, well‐liked, and competent. These sociometric measures were correlated with the frequency in which each peer was nominated as most and least helpful in several problem scenarios representing actual situations encountered in residential settings. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that “popularity” was the best predictor of peer helpfulness across the problem scenarios. Discussion focused on the impact of popularity on treatment strategies for youth in residential placement.
Brief report: An extension of the sequential alternating treatment design using reversals with subjects not available concurrently
Authors: Houlihan Daniel D. , Jones Robert N. , Sloane Howard N. , Cook Joni
Published: June 2007

This brief report proposes an extension of the traditional Alternating Treatments Design that would be acceptable to use in hospital and residential settings where subjects are often not concurrently available. Concerns about the inability of traditional designs to work in these special situations and the emergence of a “scientist–practitioner split” are discussed. An example of how the Extended Alternating Treatments Design might be used is provided.
Treatment of aggression in a brain injured adolescent
Authors: Wesolowski Michael D. , Zencius Arnie H.
Published: June 2007

A traumatically brain injured (TBI) adolescent exhibited physical aggression requiring physical intervention. Aggressive behavior was eliminated in 2 weeks when a point system with response cost and contingent home visits were used. The point system alone maintained aggression at zero episodes for 4 weeks. In addition to eliminating aggression, the point system increased attendance to therapies and classes, waking up on time, and prosocial behaviors.
Types of social interactions among individuals with mental retardation who present problems of conduct
Authors: Todd Stephens J. , Gardner William I.
Published: June 2007

This study compared the types of social interactions among groups of adults with mental retardation who also were characterized as demonstrating or not demonstrating difficulties of conduct. Using an Interaction Assessment Protocal, participants were observed during their daily activities at randomly selected periods throughout the day. The specific roles of an interaction (initiate or receive), the type of communication (Mand or Non‐Mand), relevant affective behaviors, and the outcome of communications (comply, ignore, resist) were noted. No significant differences were obtained between groups of persons with and without conduct disorders on any of the interaction dimensions evaluated. Limitations of these findings and implications for further investigations are offered.
A functional analysis of objects used in stereotyped behavior: The relationship between social and non‐social stimuli
Authors: Murphy Michael J. , Jones Robert S. P.
Published: June 2007

This study examined the effects of objects, with and without social stimulus properties, on the behavior of children who are severely retarded, and compared such effects with behavior under conditions of minimal stimulation. It was found that these children approach, contact, grasp and interact significantly less often with objects which possess social stimulus properties than with objects which possess no social qualities. These results are discussed in relation to the ongoing debate on the importance of relationships in the reduction of challenging behavior. It is concluded that while having access to close‐bonded relationships may be necessary for the reduction of challenging behavior, in some cases at least, it may not be sufficient.
Case study: Effects of naltrexone and sibis on self‐injury
Authors: Ricketts Robert W. , Goza Amanda B. , Goza Amanda B. , Matese Mary
Published: June 2007

The present case study was an effort to determine the relative effectiveness of two variant treatment modalities, and to provide an exploratory study of the hypothesis that therapy with naltrexone might increase the effectiveness of an aversive stimulus in controlling self‐injury. Data are presented for a man who was treated for severe self‐injury with the Self‐Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System (SIBIS) and naltrexone, conducted under open‐trial conditions utilizing fixed doses of 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg per day. The effects of naltrexone on SIB were evaluated alone and paired with SIBIS. When used alone, lower dosages of naltrexone produced moderate decrements in self‐injury. However, the rate of SIB increased in a dose‐dependent manner when naltrexone was paired with SIBIS. The data also suggested that naltrexone may have caused a generalized blunting of both positive and negative affect.
Hybridization kinetics on microarray surfaces
Authors: Golovlev Val , Sun Ye , Fan Wen‐hua , McCann Michael P.
Published: June 2007

Kinetic hybridization data are compared to a number of different models. A first‐order Langmuir model provides the best fit to the data.
Impact of self‐assembly composition on the alternate interfacial electron transfer for electrostatically immobilized cytochrome c
Authors: Dolidze Tina D. , Rondinini Sandra , Vertova Alberto , Waldeck David H. , Khoshtariya Dimitri E.
Published: June 2007

We report on the effects of self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) dilution and thickness on the electron transfer (ET) event for cytochrome c (CytC) electrostatically immobilized on carboxyl terminated groups. We observed biphasic kinetic behavior for a logarithmic dependence of the rate constant on the SAM carbon number (ET distance) within the series of mixed SAMs of C5COOH/C2OH, C10COOH/C6OH, and C15COOH/C11OH that is in overall similar to that found earlier for the undiluted SAM assemblies. However, in the case of C15COOH/C11OH and C10COOH/C6OH mixed SAMs a notable increase of the ET standard rate constant was observed, in comparison with the corresponding unicomponent (ω–COOH) SAMs. In the case of the C5COOH/C2OH composite SAM a decrease of the rate constant versus the unicomponent analogue was observed. The value of the reorganization free energy deduced through the Marcus‐like data analysis did not change throughout the series; this fact along with the other observations indicates uncomplicated rate‐determining unimolecular ET in all cases. Our results are consistent with a model that considers a changeover between the alternate, tunneling and adiabatic intrinsic ET mechanisms. The physical mechanism behind the observed fine kinetic effects in terms of the protein‐rigidifying ω–COOH/CytC interactions arising in the case of mixed SAMs are also discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 68–73, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Sequence specificity of inter‐ and intramolecular G‐quadruplex formation by human telomeric DNA
Authors: Pedroso Ilene M. , Duarte Luis F. , Yanez Giscard , Burkewitz Kris , Fletcher Terace M.
Published: June 2007

Human telomeric DNA consists of tandem repeats of the sequence 5′‐d(TTAGGG)‐3′. Guanine‐rich DNA, such as that seen at telomeres, forms G‐quadruplex secondary structures. Alternative forms of G‐quadruplex structures can have differential effects on activities involved in telomere maintenance. With this in mind, we analyzed the effect of sequence and length of human telomeric DNA on G‐quadruplex structures by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and circular dichroism. Telomeric oligonucleotides shorter than four, 5′‐d(TTAGGG)‐3′ repeats formed intermolecular G‐quadruplexes. However, longer telomeric repeats formed intramolecular structures. Altering the 5′‐d(TTAGGG)‐3′ to 5′‐d(TTAGAG)‐3′ in any one of the repeats of 5′‐d(TTAGGG)4‐3′ converted an intramolecular structure to intermolecular G‐quadruplexes with varying degrees of parallel or anti‐parallel‐stranded character, depending on the length of incubation time and DNA sequence. These structures were most abundant in K+‐containing buffers. Higher‐order structures that exhibited ladders on polyacrylamide gels were observed only for oligonucleotides with the first telomeric repeat altered. Altering the sequence of 5′‐d(TTAGGG)8‐3′ did not result in the substantial formation of intermolecular structures even when the oligonucleotide lacked four consecutive telomeric repeats. However, many of these intramolecular structures shared common features with intermolecular structures formed by the shorter oligonucleotides. The wide variability in structure formed by human telomeric sequence suggests that telomeric DNA structure can be easily modulated by proteins, oxidative damage, or point mutations resulting in conversion from one form of G‐quadruplex to another. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 74–84, 2007

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Ethical and consultation issues in the behavioral sciences and terrorism
Authors: Eichelman Burr , Hartwig Anne C.
Published: June 2007

This paper briefly examines ethics as a process and as an element of philosophy with a long historical tradition. The paper then reviews elements of the professional ethics of a terrorist or hostage event, issues involved with consulting with an institution, and ethical issues for the clinician who chooses to become personally involved in a hostage event. Although reference is made particularly to psychiatrists, the principles discussed apply in large part to other mental health professionals as well. The paper concludes with the principles articulated by the American Psychiatric Association's Task Force on the Psychiatric Aspects of Terrorism and Its Victims as guidelines for psychiatric intervention in hostage or terrorist situations.