bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Treatment of Narcolepsy-Cataplexy with Nocturnal Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Broughton Roger , Mamelak Mortimer
Published: July 2016

Sixteen patients with narcolepsy and cataplexy were treated with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) given at night and tailored to achieve as continuous a night's sleep as possible. The dosage usually consisted of 1.5-2.25 gm orally at bedtime and then one or two further 1.0-1.5 gm doses with awakenings during the night, and totaled about 50 mg /kg. Apart from one patient who took only the bedtime dose, the subjective quality of night sleep improved in all patients and the number of irresistable daytime attacks of sleep and cataplexy substantially diminished. Some residual daytime drowsiness remained and this usually responded well to low doses of methylphenidate. Improvement has been maintained for up to 20 months without the development of tolerance. Two patients experienced adverse side effects necessitating withdrawal of GHB treatment, but no serious toxic effects have occurred.
Correlations Histopathologiques et Neurochimiques en Fonction de Lesions de la Regiondu Locus Coeruleus chez le Chat (Part I)
Authors: Marchand R. , Fantino M. , Dankova J. , Poirier L.J.
Published: July 2016

Unilateral lesions in the area of the loci coeruleus and subcoeruleus in the cat are associated with a significant and sustained decrease of noradrenaline (NA) in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex without any important change in the concentrations of NA in the contralateral cortex and in the spinal cord of both sides. The serotonin (5-HT) concentrations of the spinal cord and cerebral cortex of both sides remained unchanged in the same groups of animals. Bilateral lesions in the same area result also in a marked decrease of NA in the cerebral cortex of both sides. The latter lesions also result in slight decreases of NA in the hypothalamus and of NA and 5-HT in the spinal cord but the NA and 5-HT concentrations of the stria-turn and thalamus and the 5-H T concentrations of the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus are unmodified by such lesions. Unilateral lesions of the area immediately rostral to the locus coeruleus (praelocus lesions) result in a very significant decrease of NA in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex without any change of NA in the contralateral cerebral cortex and spinal cord of both sides. Similar lesions produced bilaterally in another group of cats resulted in marked decreases of NA in the cerebral cortex of both sides and a slight decrease of NA in the thalamus without any change of NA in the striatum, hypothalamus and spinal cord and of 5-HT in the cerebral cortex. In the same group of animals with lesions which, however, extended more closely to the midline than in cats with locus coeruleus lesions, 5-HT is markedly decreased in the striatum and thalamus and slightly decreased in the hypothalamus and spinal cord.

These results support the view that the noradrenergie coeruleo-cortical pathway is made up of fibers which originate in the loci coeruleus and subcoeruleus and pre-dominently end ipsilaterally to their origin in the cerebral cortex. Ascending NA fibers ending in the thalamus appear to originate from NA neurons located more laterally in the upper pons and more specifically at the level of the parabrachial nuclei.
New Introducer for Subcutaneous Placement of Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts: Technical Note
Authors: Ekong Chris E.U. , Gabriel Y.H.
Published: July 2016

A new introducer system for subcutaneous placement of shunt tubings is described. The advantages of this system over previous introducers are discussed.
Evolution of Cardio-Pulmonary Involvement in Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Cote M. , Bureau M. , Leger C. , Martin J. , Gattiker H. , Cimon M. , Larose A. , Lemieux B.
Published: July 2016

The evolution of 15patients initially evaluated during Phase One of the Quebec Cooperative Study of Friedreich's ataxia has been studied approximately three years later. It is concluded that the deterioration of cardio-pulmonary function in Friedreich's ataxia is multi-factorial. The neuromyopathy (or the underlying metabolic or cellular defect) appears to be the main contributing factor to the deterioration of cardio-pulmonary function, which is exacerbated by the scoliosis and varying severity of the cardiomyopathy.
Oculomotor and Vestibular Findings in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay
Authors: Dionne J. , Wright G. , Barber H. , Bouchard R. , Bouchard J. P.
Published: July 2016

Electronystagmographic recordings were made of oculomotor and vestibular function in II patients with autósomat recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. All had horizontal gaze nystagmus, marked impairment of smooth ocular pursuit and optokinetic nystagmus, and defective fixation suppression of caloric nystagmus. Many had saccadic dysmetria. but saccade velocity was probably unaffected. Abnormallies pointing to brainstem disturbance were sparse. The findings are thought to indicate mainly diffuse cerebellar disease, with particular involvement of vermis and vestibulo-cerebellum.
Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin Levels in Patients with Friedreich's and other Ataxias
Authors: Morgan R.O. , Naglie G. , Horrobin D.F. , Barbeau A.
Published: July 2016

Of 13 patients with Fried-reich's ataxia (Type la) and 17 with type Ila recessive ataxias, all were found to have levels of “free erythrocyte protoporphyrin “ (FEP) above the normal range. The rise in FEP in Friedreich's ataxia correlated well with the age of the individual and thus appears to be related to the course of the disease. Subjects with olivo-ponto-cerebel-lar atrophy, Charlevoix syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson's disease were also found to have significantly elevated FEP, although the distribution overlapped with the normal range.

The finding of elevated FEP may indicate a relative heme deficiency in ataxia due to inhibition offerrochelatase leading to a state of ineffective, persistent erythropoiesis. The possibility of a prosta-glandin abnormality being related to this defect and to the pathogenesis of ataxia is considered.
Dicarboxylic Amino Acid Uptake in Normal, Friedreich's Ataxia, and Dicarboxylic Aminoaciduria Fibroblasts
Authors: Melancon S.B. , Grenier B. , Dallaire L. , Potier M. , Fontaine G. , Grignon B. , Geoffroy G. , Lemieux B. , Barbeau A.
Published: July 2016

Glutamic and aspartic acid uptake was measured in skin fibroblasts from patients with Friedreich's Ataxia, dicarboxylic aminoaciduria, and normal individuals. The results showed no difference in uptake kinetics of either dicarboxylic amino acids between Friedreich's Ataxia and normal cells, but reduced uptake velocities in dicarboxylic aminoaciduria fibroblasts. Friedreich's Ataxia fibroblasts were, however, less calcium-dependant and more magnesium and phosphate-dependent than controls in glucose-free incubation mixture. This difference might be related to some degree of glucose intolerance by Friedreich's Ataxia fibroblasts in culture.
Cognitive-behavioural Intervention for an Adolescent School Refuser: A Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Anderson Justine , King Neville , Tonge Bruce , Rollings Stephanie , Young Dawn , Heyne David
Published: July 2016

A case study is presented of a 13-year-old adolescent male with a long history of anxious symptoms related to school attendance. At the time of referral to the school refusal clinic, the adolescent had significant difficulty attending school, having attended for only 1 day in the past 3 weeks. A cognitive-behavioural treatment program was conducted over 3 weeks, consisting of seven sessions with the adolescent, seven sessions with his parents, and consultation to school personnel. Treatment focused on the implementation of behaviour management techniques by caregivers as well as teaching anxiety management skills to the adolescent. Positive treatment outcomes included the adolescent's return to full-time attendance at school as well as a decrease in emotional distress. The implications of treatment are discussed in relation to the simultaneous application of behaviour management and anxiety management strategies in the treatment of school refusal.
Prevention of Relationship Problems: Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Dyer C. , Halford W.K.
Published: July 2016

Whilst nearly all couple relationships start out happy, half of all marriages end in divorce. Relationship education is a potentially effective strategy to reduce the prevalence of relationship problems and divorce. The substantial empirical research on the determinants of relationship satisfaction shows that there are key relationship skills, such as communication and conflict management skills, which impact on the course of relationship satisfaction and stability. Relationship education can teach couples these key relationship skills, and this may prevent relationship problems. However, relationship education is not targeted at those couples who need it most. Research needs to be focused on the effects of relationship education for couples at high risk for relationship problems. The reach of education programs to couples can be enhanced by developing flexible delivery education programs. Relationship education programs also need to promote coping with stressful events that often lead to relationship problems, such as the transition into step-families, the onset of chronic illness, and unemployment.
Effective Behavioural Strategies for the Defining Characteristics of Autism
Authors: Hall Laura J.
Published: July 2016

The following review paper describes the outcomes of data-based behavioural intervention strategies for the defining characteristics of autistic disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The results of relevant evaluations of behaviour analytic procedures are reviewed for each of the four potential areas of difficulty under each of the main criteria for autistic disorder, which are: (a) impairment in social interaction, (b) impairment in communication, and (c) restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities (DSM-IV). The current areas of research activity as well as those domains that have received comparatively little attention by behavioural researchers are identified, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Teachers, Children with Reading Difficulties, and Remedial Reading Assistance in Primary Schools
Authors: Richdale Amanda L. , Reece John E. , Lawson Angela
Published: July 2016

While there is a body of research addressing the causes of reading difficulty and the identification and remediation of children with a reading difficulty, little is reported regarding the type and adequacy of assistance that these children actually receive in school. This study addresses the latter two issues. A random sample of 110 Year 3 teachers from State primary schools answered questions concerning school resources for assisting children with a reading difficulty, main method of teaching reading, their beliefs concerning reading difficulty, and their own level of general teaching experience and experience and training in managing reading difficulty. These teachers then provided information concerning the ability level, behavioural problems, perceived cause of reading difficulty, assessment, and adequacy of assistance for 303 Year 3 children whom they identified as having a reading difficulty. Results indicated that 42.7% of teachers predominantly used a whole language approach to teaching reading and that, by teacher definition, only 36.6% of children were receiving adequate assistance for their reading difficulty. Regression analysis showed that the factors most strongly associated with adequate assistance were a less severe level of reading difficulty, a higher level of support available within the school, and more children with reading difficulty in the class. The implications of these findings and other characteristics of the children with reading difficulties are discussed.
Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Leitenberg Harold
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the literature on cognitive-behavioural treatment of bulimia nervosa, including the rationale and procedure for including an exposure plus response-prevention component. Comparisons of the full cognitive-behavioural therapy package to no treatment, other forms of psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy are evaluated. The evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioural therapy is a relatively effective treatment for bulimia nervosa, although long-term outcome is still far from optimal.
What is a Psychological Unit?
Authors: Lee Vicki L.
Published: July 2016

This paper considers the question “What is a psychological unit?”. The ubiquity of units in daily life and in science is considered. The assumption that the individual human being or animal is the psychological unit is examined and rejected. The units represented by the data collected in operant laboratories are interpreted as a subset of the well-defined changes that individual human beings or animals can bring about. The departure of this interpretation from the traditional interpretation in terms of the behaviour of the organism is acknowledged. The paper concludes by noting the relation of the present interpretation of operant research to the problem of identifying psychological units.
Cognitive-Behavioural Family Interventions for Major Mental Disorders
Authors: Falloon Ian R.H. , Coverdale John H.
Published: July 2016

Cognitive-behavioural family interventions for major mental disorder have undergone significant refinement over recent years. This paper reviews the current techniques for assessing mental disorder in the family. The initial task of the therapist is to undertake a comprehensive family assessment, including an assessment of their stress management. Specific information must be obtained about each family member's view of the presenting problems, interaction within the family system, and function in settings outside the family, as well as the family's effectiveness in problem solving and quality of life. Key goals of cognitive-behavioural family therapy are personal goal setting, education, and communication training that enhance the efficiency of family problem solving. The efficiency of cognitive-behavioural therapies in treating major mental disorders is also reviewed in relation to the family's ability to achieve specific goals in therapy and to modify the outcome of major mental illness. Particular attention is given to the strengths and weaknesses of the research, and to possible future research directions. Cognitive-behavioural family interventions are found to be effective in reducing clinical, social, and family morbidity.
Intrusiveness of Interventions: Ratings by Psychologists
Authors: Tustin R. Don , Pennington Barbara , Byrne Mitch
Published: July 2016

A survey was conducted of opinions of 24 psychologists in South Australia about the intrusiveness of 89 interventions including methods that might be used to reduce challenging behaviour. Interventions arose from a variety of sources, including behavioural psychology and medicine. Interventions might infringe on 8 different rights. Respondents rated the degree to which interventions were perceived to intrude on clients' rights, using a 4-point scale: abusive, very intrusive, intrusive, and not intrusive. A reasonable degree of consistency in ratings was found. Respondents did not rate all interventions that infringed on the same right as being equally intrusive. A number of interventions were rated as being intrusive but not abusive. Intrusive methods may be legitimate if properly authorised. The question arises of how decisions should be made to authorise intrusive methods when clients are unable to make decisions on their own behalf.
Conduct Problems and Treatment across Home and School: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Little Emma , Hudson Alan
Published: July 2016

Treatment of conduct problems in the home setting has received much attention in the literature, and there are well established, empirically derived treatment programs that have been demonstrated to be effective. However, treatment for conduct problems in the classroom has not received a comparable amount of attention, and the intervention programs are diverse, occasionally lacking empirical support, and often not consistent with strategies used in the home setting. As past research has demonstrated that conduct problems in multiple settings is related to poorer prognosis, it is logical to suggest that interventions should focus on as many of the settings as possible in which a child displays the behaviour problems. This paper reviews the literature on the effects of conduct problems in the classroom, on teacher managerial skills, and on interventions across the home and school settings. It is concluded that classroom management of conduct problems could be improved by providing a hierarchical system of intervention strategies.
Cognitive–Behavioural Treatment of Internalising Disorders in Youth
Authors: Flannery-Schroeder Ellen , Henin Aude , Kendall Philip C.
Published: July 2016

Cognitive-behavioural (CB) therapy for internalising disorders in youth is discussed from both a procedural and empirical standpoint. A theoretical overview of CB treatment is provided, and the unique difficulties faced in the identification and treatment of internalising disorders are considered. With reference to specific internalising disorders (i.e., anxiety and depression), the present paper considers the differential application of CB strategies and the efficacy of treatment procedures. Issues relevant to CB treatment, including (a) flexibility in application, (b) developmental considerations, (c) treatment methodology, and (d) transportability, are discussed.
The Effectiveness of Emotive Imagery in the Treatment of Darkness Phobia in Children
Authors: Cornwall Elizabeth , Spence Susan H. , Schotte David
Published: July 2016

This study examined the effectiveness of emotive imagery as a treatment for clinically significant darkness phobia in 7- to 10-year-old children. Twenty-four clinically diagnosed children were randomly assigned to either emotive imagery treatment or a waiting-list control condition. Emotive imagery was conducted over six sessions, one per week. The results demonstrated that the emotive imagery group showed significantly greater reductions in darkness fears and anxiety according to child and parent reports and a behavioural darkness probe task, in comparison to the waiting-list group. The waiting-list children showed minimal reductions in fearfulness over the 20-week waiting-list period. The improvements of the emotive imagery group were maintained at the 3-month follow-up.
Changing Lifestyle: Who Benefits and How? Prevention in Primary Health Care Within the Female Population in a Swedish Community
Authors: Björkelund Cecilia , Bengtsson Calle
Published: July 2016

A primary health care community intervention program was offered to the middle-aged female population in a Swedish community aiming at reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Around 30% of women with risk factors took active part in an intervention course program inspiring to lifestyle changes. Analysis showed few background differences between the group of women who participated and who did not participate in the intervention program. Most women with risk factors benefited from lifestyle changes, those with multiple risk factors to as large an extent as those with few risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Also women with risk factors who did not take part in the intervention course program changed their lifestyle habits to some extent.The pedagogics of the intervention program described in this paper are shown to be of value when addressed to middle-aged women with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Targeting Opportunities for Change: Mental Health Promotion in Primary Care
Authors: Tippett Vivienne C.
Published: July 2016

National policy directions currently provide an environment in which mental health promotion activities can be widely supported in health and related arenas. Several recent national reports have identified the importance of primary care, especially in general practice settings, as the principal point of entry to the Australian health care system. A broad overview of the current policy climate prefaces a discussion of the opportunities for mental health promotion in the primary care sector, focusing on general practice settings and using depression as an example. Implications and consequences related to training of the mental health workforce, with special reference to roles for psychologists are discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for future directions in mental health promotion and prevention research in primary care.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Training Psychologists and Nonpsychologists in Cognitive and Behavioural Procedures
Authors: Kearney Brian G.
Published: July 2016

This article introduces a special collection of papers that discuss issues in training nonpsychologists and psychologists in behavioural and cognitive procedures. It is argued that while this has been a neglected issue, it is an important strategy in achieving the overall goal of the large-scale dissemination of cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), a stated aim of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association and like organisations. It is proposed that to successfully train nonpsychologists in CBT a number of conceptual issues need to be clarified. The first concerns the nature of CBT; it is argued that CBT is not an entity in itself, but the process of applying the science of psychology to human problems. Second, CBT knowledge is a continuum, with various levels of complexity. Therefore attempts to train nonpsychologists need to consider the trainees' level of psychological knowledge in determining the goals of training. Needs for (a) a comprehensive conceptual framework to guide the training of nonpsychologists, (b) research to identify the best ways of accomplishing training, and (c) “top-down” strategies, such as changing service-system philosophies, to complement the “bottom-up” strategy of training individuals, are highlighted.
The Education and Training of Clinical Psychologists
Authors: Lovibond Syd H.
Published: July 2016

This paper argues that fundamental changes are required in the way we go about educating and training professional psychologists in general, and clinical psychologists in particular, if we are to solve their current identity, status, and role problems. The primary responsibility for change must devolve upon the universities with long experience of both research and education in the basic discipline, and graduate professional training. The most urgent task is to persuade the universities in question to introduce a national system of six-year courses, based strictly on the scientist-professional model, for all professional psychologists. A possible structure for such courses is presented, and the implications of its adoption are examined. In this context training in cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) and the education and training role of the Psychology Foundation of Australia are discussed.
Clinicians Ought to View Anger Contextually
Authors: Novaco Raymond W.
Published: July 2016

Constructions of the experiential sources of anger, both in ordinary language accounts and in scientific studies, are characterised by a proximity bias. Anger is commonly represented as being due to acute, proximate occurrences. However, anger can be alternatively understood to be a product of contextual conditions, which may involve distal or ambient determinants. The themes of embeddedness, interrelatedness, and transformationality, derived from the contextual perspective of Stokols in environmental psychology, are presented for the understanding of anger as pertinent to clinical concerns and as heuristics for anger management interventions.
Recent Developments in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Creamer Mark
Published: July 2016

The traumatic stress field has expanded dramatically over the last 10 years. This paper provides a review of progress in three areas from the domain of posttraumatic stress responses. First, recent developments in diagnosis are discussed, with particular reference to the proposed diagnostic criteria for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition; American Psychiatric Association, in press). Second, a theoretical formulation based on cognitive processing principles is presented and, where available, empirical support for such a conceptualisation is provided. Third, the implications of a cognitive processing paradigm for treatment are discussed briefly, with reference to recent research findings. Suggestions for future development of the field are provided.
Social Skills Training for Abused Girls: Interpersonal Skills Training for Sexually Abused Girls
Authors: Weist Mark D. , Vannatta Kathryn , Wayland Kathleen K. , Jackson Chianti Y.
Published: July 2016

Four sexually abused girls participated in a 12-session group training program focused on improving interpersonal problems identified by the girls' teachers. Prior to and following the intervention, the girls underwent role-play assessment of their behaviour in relevant social situations with peers and teachers, and completed a self-report measures of perceived self-concept. For two of the girls, teachers completed checklists of their behavioural functioning before and after the intervention. On the role-play measure, the girls showed improvement on all of the trained behaviours (with peers and teachers), and evidenced behavioural improvements on untrained (generalisation) scenes. In addition, the girls reported improvements in perceived academic competence, peer functioning, appearance, and global self-concept following the training program. The study provides an example of a behavioural skills-training approach to address interpersonal deficits that may be shown by sexually abused children.
Trauma Revaluation, Conditioning, and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Davey Graham C.L.
Published: July 2016

This paper describes a two-component conditioning model of anxiety disorders whose two main components are an associative process and a process which determines the evaluation of the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). It is argued that the inclusion of UCS revaluation processes enables conditioning models to explain a variety of anxiety-related phenomena that hitherto had been difficult to explain solely in associative terms. In particular, (a) experiments are described which suggest that incubation of the conditioned response (CR) can be explained in terms of processes contributing to UCS inflation, (b) the experimental evidence on UCS revaluation is assessed in relation to cognitive processes that might lead to trauma revaluation within specific anxiety disorders, and (c) the role of personality factors in effecting UCS and trauma revaluation is discussed.
Behavioural Momentum: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Nevin John A.
Published: July 2016

Behavioural momentum refers to the tendency for reinforced behaviour to persist when conditions are altered. Research on persistence with pigeons as subjects has suggested that response rate under steady-state conditions and its persistence when conditions are altered are independent aspects of behaviour, with response rate determined by response-reinforcer contingencies and persistence determined by stimulus-reinforcer contingencies. These results have been replicated with humans in a natural setting, and may therefore be relevant to clinical practice. The following prescriptions are suggested by the research results: (a) To eliminate undesirable behaviour, it is not sufficient to reinforce alternative behaviour in the same setting because this may actually enhance persistence of the undesired response; change to a new setting may also be necessary; (b) to establish desirable behaviour, the behaviour should be reinforced frequently, and to make it persistent, both the therapeutic and natural environments should be highly correlated with reinforcement.
The Primacy of an Independent Behaviour Therapy Community in the Evolution of Clinical Psychology
Authors: Russo Dennis C.
Published: July 2016

Lovibond (1993), weaves an exciting first person narrative of the development of behaviour therapy in Australia. His paper, derived from his years of experience and leadership, provides rare insight into the people and programs which have shaped behavioural practice today. In chronicling these early years, he well and fully elucidates the historic shortcomings of the larger field of Australian clinical psychology to provide minimal standards for science or practice, to effectively evaluate its practitioners, or to be a potent, united voice for the scientist/practitioner model. To remedy these shortcomings, he proposes the development of a new entity, largely independent of traditional clinical psychology or behaviour therapy, to simultaneously address issues of science, standards, and practice.

In the remainder of this article I should like to address what I consider to be primary issues in the advancement of an experimentally based psychology applied to human problems; to frame the current issues within professional psychology in the US which are germane to Lovibond's notions; and to lobby strongly for the maintenance of a separate and independent behaviour therapy community as the basis for the practice of scientific psychology.
Assessment Practices and Issues with School-refusing Children
Authors: Ollendick Thomas H. , King Neville J.
Published: July 2016

School refusal is a complex and heterogeneously determined and experienced behaviour problem. Due to its complexity and heterogeneity, a multimethod and multisource approach to assessment is required. The approach is described as a hypothesis-testing approach which uses developmentally sensitive and empirically validated procedures. Clinical-behavioural interviews, structured diagnostic interviews, self-reports, reports of significant others, self-monitoring, and behavioural observations are recommended. Issues associated with these procedures are reviewed.
Parental Depression and Child Behaviour Problems: Implications for Behavioural Family Intervention
Authors: Hops Hyman
Published: July 2016

This report explores the role of parental depression in the adjustment of children and discusses its implications for behavioural family intervention. Within a social interactional perspective, depression is conceptualised as a class of behaviours that is under the control of the social environment and at the same time operates as a context for other social agents. The presence of this class of behaviours in parents is postulated to precipitate developmentally determined psychological problems, that is based on a child's age and sex, such that younger boys and adolescent girls would be most at risk. The results of two longitudinal studies are presented showing a significant relation between fluctuations in mothers' depressive symptoms and similar symptoms in their adolescent daughters. Weaker effects are seen between fathers' and sons' depressive levels. The implications for behavioural family therapy are discussed in relation to depression in adolescent girls.
Toward a Technology of Prevention of Disruptive Behaviour Disorders: The Role of Behavioural Family Intervention
Authors: Sanders Matthew R. , Markie-Dadds Carol
Published: July 2016

The prevention of severe psychopathology has long been held as a goal of psychological intervention with children. This paper examines the role of behavioural family intervention in the prevention of conduct problems in children. Components of a prevention model and their conceptual and empirical justification are outlined as well as some practical obstacles to the development of comprehensive, preventively oriented, mental health services for children and families. Possible directions for future research with high risk groups are discussed.
Psychosexual Dysfunction in the Elderly
Authors: Spence Susan H.
Published: July 2016

The area of psychosexual dysfunction in the elderly has been relatively ignored and very little research has been conducted into the aetiology, assessment, and treatment of such disorders. Many negative attitudes have been held traditionally relating to the sexual behaviour of older people, and this may account for the reluctance of many elderly clients to seek help, and for the lack of attention paid by helping professionals. The number of referrals for sex therapy from older persons is now beginning to increase, and evidence confirms that the majority of healthy older persons remain sexually active and sexually capable throughout their later years. Although there is a marked lack of empirical research, case studies suggest that cognitive-behavioural approaches offer promise in the treatment of psychosexual dysfunction in the elderly. Factors are discussed that relate specifically to older clients in the application of a cognitive-behavioural approach to assessment and therapy.
Training Community-Living, Intellectually Handicapped People in Fire Safety Using Video Prompting
Authors: Tiong Stephanie-Jane , Blampied Neville M. , Le Grice Bonny
Published: July 2016

Four adult, moderately intellectually handicapped persons who lived independently in the community were trained in safe exiting from their bedrooms in the event of fire. Baseline levels of competence were low, typically less than 20% of steps correct. Training was introduced to each trainee following a multiple probe across subjects design. Failures to complete a step were followed by video prompting in which the trainee watched a video of a model (an intellectually handicapped male) demonstrate the correct performance of the step. Acquisition required at most 10 sessions, the skills transferred to another residence and to the trainee's bedroom, and were maintained at 5 weeks.
Assessment and Treatment of Simple Phobias in Children: Effects on Family and Marital Relationships
Authors: Heard Paula M. , Dadds Mark R. , Conrad Paul
Published: July 2016

This study evaluated a behavioural treatment package for simple phobias in children using a multiple baseline design across subjects. The participants were three adolescents presenting with a principal DSM-III-R diagnosis of Simple Phobia. One participant also met the criteria for Separation Anxiety Disorder. Results showed marked improvement (at posttreatment and 3 months follow-up) of the anxiety for all three adolescents, both at overt-behavioural and cognitive levels with no negative effects on family and dyadic adjustment. Theoretical considerations and prognoses are discussed.
Prompts and Posted Feedback: In Search of an Effective Method of Litter Control
Authors: Dixon Robyn S. , Knott Tony , Rowsell Helen , Sheldon Linda , Moore Dennis W.
Published: July 2016

This study compared the effectiveness of prompts (signs) and posted feedback as litter control strategies in two university cafeterias. Patronage and litter rates were monitored daily throughout the second term of the academic year. Prompts, prompts and posted feedback, and posted feedback were presented sequentially within a multiple baseline across settings experimental design. While litter rates initially declined in the presence of prompts, the addition of posted feedback did not have an additive effect; however, subsequent removal of prompts produced further reductions in litter rates, which were still evident during follow-up 5 weeks later. Results suggest that posted feedback is an effective and inexpensive method of Utter control.
Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting Among Ovarian, Lymphoma, and Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Implications for Behavioural Treatment
Authors: Dunne Peter W. , Sanders Matthew R. , Kearsley John H.
Published: July 2016

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently experience anticipatory distress before treatment sessions. Eighty-six cancer patients (ovarian, lymphoma and breast) were assessed to determine the prevalence of anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV). Approximately one patient in three reported anticipatory nausea (AN), and of these 6 also experienced anticipatory vomiting (AV). Several patients reported anticipatory anxiety without any sensation of nausea. Clinically the notion of anticipatory distress may be more fruitful so that the problem of pretreatment anxiety is also addressed. Generally, AN was rated as moderate or worse in severity, occurred fairly consistently, and often began well before arrival at hospital on treatment day. It is suggested that future research should endeavour to link more closely the topography of the problem and the intervention techniques employed, as well as evaluating a broader range of possible interventions.
Cardiophobia: An Anxiety Disorder in Its Own Right?
Authors: Eifert Georg H.
Published: July 2016

Cardiophobic persons repeatedly present with complaints of chest pain and heart palpitations accompanied by fears of having a heart attack and of dying. They focus attention on their heart when experiencing stress and arousal, perceive its function in a phobic manner, and continue to believe they suffer from an organic heart problem despite repeated negative medical tests. To reduce anxiety, they seek continuous reassurance, make excessive use of medical facilities, and avoid activities believed to bring on symptoms. This article analyses the evidence for viewing cardiophobia as a phobic disorder in its own right rather than merely a problem of non-organic chest pain with some overlay of anxiety and depression. Despite some overlapping symptoms shared with persons who suffer from panic disorder, illness phobia, and extreme health anxiety, a number of central and defining features of cardiophobia are identified to differentiate cardiophobia from other anxiety disorders. An integrative model for understanding the origin and maintenance of cardiophobia (Eifert, 1990) is summarised and some treatment recommendations are derived from this model to target the central problems of persons with cardiophobia. Directions for future research are also discussed.
An Experimental Investigation of a Cognitive-Behavioural and Movement-Retraining Program for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Associated with Occupational Overuse Injuries
Authors: Swerissen Hal , Matyas Tom , Thomas Shane
Published: July 2016

Twenty-two subjects diagnosed as having an occupationally related injury to the connective tissues, joints or muscles of the hands, arms, neck, shoulders or upper back were included in an experimental study which investigated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioural and movement-retraining program for reducing anxiety, depression, pain and disruption of activities by pain. Group and single case analyses indicated that the intervention program was associated with reductions in pain and the extent to which pain disrupted activities of daily living for some subjects, but program effects did not maintain over time.
An Evaluation of Cognitive-Behavioural Techniques in the Management of Chronic Arthritic Pain in Men with Haemophilia
Authors: Dunne Peter W. , Sanders Matthew R. , Rowell John A. , McWhirter William R.
Published: July 2016

Three adults with haemophilia participated in a study designed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural techniques in the alleviation of chronic arthritic pain. The intervention comprised cognitive-coping skills, primarily relaxation training and guided imagery techniques, as well as identifying and altering antecedents and consequences that may have influenced their pain experience. The dependent measures included visual analogue rating scales, the Arthritis Impact Measurements Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and pedometer readings. All three men showed significant reductions in pain, which were largely maintained at six-month follow-up. This study supports earlier findings with this population, and highlights the importance of monitoring the implementation of independent measures.
Evaluation of a Self-help Smoking Cessation Program
Authors: Lee Christina
Published: July 2016

Evaluation of a self-help smoking cessation program indicated it to be moderately successful in helping community members to reduce smoking. However, there was no relationship between success and the extent to which components of the program had been used; nor did locus of control or self-efficacy predict success. Further, several participants decided to become controlled smokers, an alternative which was not included in the program. These findings suggest that users of self-help materials take an active role in selection and modifying components of such programs. A clearer idea of what people actually do with the materials supplied would provide a better understanding of the process of change and assist researchers in the development of effective programs.
Behaviour Analysis of Social-Action Constructs: The Case of Empowerment
Authors: Smith John F. , Fawcett Stephen B. , Balcazar Fabricio E.
Published: July 2016

Many constructs used in various areas of psychology often represent some behavioural reality not yet analysed as such. Analyses of behaviours associated with these constructs might profit both behaviour analysis and the other disciplines. This paper provides a behavioural analysis of the construct of ‘empowerment’ found in community psychology. We discuss the implications for researchers attempting to combine behaviour analysis and social action.
Breast Self-Examination, Cancer Knowledge and Breast Disease in a Sample of Hunter Valley Women
Authors: Beckett Maureen , Redman Selina , Lee Christina
Published: July 2016

Fifty women with a history of breast lumps, and fifty control women matched for age and educational level, were administered a self-report questionnaire to determine knowledge of breast cancer, frequency and proficiency of breast self-examination (BSE), and health beliefs relating to BSE. Although women with previous breast lumps were more knowledgeable about breast cancer than those without, the two groups did not differ in attitudes or preventive behaviours. Overall knowledge of cancer and of BSE practice was low. This suggests a need for educational campaigns to increase knowledge and awareness, as a first step towards behaviour change, and a need for research to identify more effective predictors of BSE practice.
The Effects of Punishment on Unpunished Behaviour
Authors: Crosbie John
Published: July 2016

The present study examined the effects of response-cost on unpunished free-operant responses. Three university students made key-press responses on a computer keyboard and won and lost money as reinforcement and punishment, respectively. Only one response was ever reinforced or punished, but all responses were recorded. When response-cost was introduced for the target response, both target and non-target responses decreased. Whereas the target response remained at a low level throughout the punishment phase, most non-target responses eventually increased to their baseline levels. Of the three theoretical predictions assessed, support was found only for the proposition that the response that follows the punished response most frequently during baseline is reduced during the punishment phase.
The Effectiveness of a Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment Approach to Work-related Upper Limb Pain
Authors: Spence Susan H. , Kennedy Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

The present study investigated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioural approach to the management of chronic work-related upper limb pain. Clients included three females who had experienced severe upper limb pain for 7, 3.5 and 1.5 years respectively and whose condition had been labelled by medical specialists as occupational overuse syndrome. Clients commenced treatment in a sequential manner, following a staggered baseline monitoring phase in order to produce a multiple baseline design across cases. Treatment involved 8 sessions over a 4-week period, covering pain management procedures, cognitive restructuring of maladaptive cognitions, relaxation training and EMG biofeedback. All cases showed some improvement in pain, distress and interference caused by pain. In addition, changes in depression, anxiety, coping strategies and sleep disturbance were reported. Therapy gains were maintained at the 6-month follow-up assessment for 2 of the 3 cases.
Behaviour Modification in Australia: A Quantitative Review of the Last Decade
Authors: Dadds Mark R.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a quantitative description of the activity of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association, as reflected in conference presentations from 1978 to 1987 and publications in Behaviour Change from its inception to 1988. The results reveal a number of pleasing and displeasing aspects of behavioural research and other activities over the past ten years. These findings are discussed with reference to the next decade, with specific suggestions for directions and priorities.
Behavioural Intervention Following a Sporting Injury: A Case Study
Authors: Lee Christina
Published: July 2016

Sport psychology interventions generally derive from strategies developed in clinical contexts. This paper describes the use of a graded hierarchy, with fading of response induction aids at each step, in treating avoidance behaviour arising in a sporting context. A twelve-year-old gymnast was treated for a simple phobia following a fall.
The Search for Valid Measures of Social Competence: The Variability and Consistency of Component Behaviour
Authors: Ralph Alan , Birnbrauer Jay S.
Published: July 2016

Measures of component behaviour have been put forward as valid and reliable predictors of social competency. This study assessed the consistency of verbal and nonverbal component behaviours across situations and time. Thirty-seven people participated in an informal conversation with a confederate and a mock job interview with a second confederate. This scenario was repeated three weeks later. Social competency ratings were obtained from the confederates and subsequently from two observers along with specific measures of nine component behaviours. While nonverbal component behaviours were quite consistent across settings and time, verbal behaviours were less so, although none consistently predicted competency ratings across settings and time. Subjects who received high competency ratings were found to behave more variably across settings than those who received low ratings. The findings support the notion that evaluation of social skills training will require measurement of functionally equivalent, rather than topographically defined, classes of behaviour.
The Assessment of Behavioural Manifestation of Archetypes Test
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Turk Dennis C.
Published: July 2016

Recent commentaries on developments in behaviour analysis and modification have noted the inclusion of ‘cognitive’ variables in what was previously a more radically operant discipline. This trend has been received with some gratitude by those researchers and practitioners who were impressed by the neo-Freudian theories of early psychotherapists such as Carl Jung.

For example, the tendency of behaviour analysts to ignore the projections of personality types on to clients has always been difficult to accept by those therapists who are imbued with deep clinical insight. In such cases, the exclusive use of observable behaviour has represented a denial of the prolific generation of immediate and profound clinical judgements, many times quite effortlessly performed without recourse to data. While we do not deny the value of event-recording, time-sampling, psychophysiological monitoring and self-report behavioural scales, we wish to point out that there are many much simpler procedures that enable assessment to be made on the basis of split-second insight, even with no regard at all for external facts. To this end, we have devised and recently field-tested an instrument designed to assess the potential of behaviour therapists for attributing immediate and archetypal classifications to their clients.