Douglas H. Ruben

Recent Technological Advancements in the Treatment of Enuresis Theory and Commercial Devices

Antienuretic devices sold commercially symbolize the progression in technological improvements from historical to modem treatment approaches. Underlying these advancements are theoretical changes in operant psychology, through whose applications the science in psychophysiology has become prominent. This article traces the treatment of enuresis through its early developmental stages, identifying psychophysiology as a cognitive problem, to modem inventions of mechanical devices and the shifts in operant paradigms to accommodate them. Implications for criteria in selecting effective antienuretic devices are also reviewed, as are problems engendered with the competitive market.

Interbehavioral Analysis of Adult Children of Alcoholics

Symptoms of Adult Children of Alcoholics/Addiction (ACOA) are reexamined using the interbehavioral systems approach. Behavioral patterns produced by parental punishment and deprivation that cause severe avoidance and escape responses are shown to convert into rules or rule-governed behavior. Considered, first, are different behavioral outcomes of aversive conditioning, focusing primarily on the ontology of avoidance responses. Second, theories of rule and meta-rule development account for retention of dysfunctional behaviors once they are learned. Conclusions provide a scientific direction for clinical practice and future research on ACOAs.

Major Trends in Interbehavioral Psychology from Articles Published in The Psychological Record (1937–1983)

Major trends in interbehavioraI psychology are examined retrospectively through articles published in the 33-volume history of The Psychological Record. Proposed is that interbehaviorism evolves over a period of history in theoretical and experimental disciplines of science. Comparisons shown between interbehavioral and noninterbehavioral articles reveal that, by far, “interdisciplinary philosophy” (historical and synthetical) is present in more volumes than experimental interbehavioral research. However, examinations of articles from The Psychological Record and articles and books published elsewhere during the last 10 years indicate that systems analysis and clinical treatment abound in the research potential of interbehaviorism. Annotations of all the experimental and theoretical articles with interbehavioral content are provided in the analysis.

Historical Note: On Validity Measurement of Hannibal’s Crossing the ALPS

All human intellectual enterprises that have empirical content face the problem of validity of their constructs. Many argue that history cannot evaluate validity since the pristine events have vanished. Hannibal’s crossing the Alps is one such historical event cast in doubt by ambiguous descriptions of past and present scientific historians. However, this brief note presents three historians’ verification of Hannibal’s crossing in terms of the forms of validity conventional in psychology.

Validity of norms for drug addicts on the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule.

This study investigated the validity of norms for drug addicts from the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule. Subjects were 100 drug-abuse outpatients who completed the schedule, an audiotape analogue assessment, and another paper-and-pencil test adapted from both previous instruments. The discrepancy in test scores raised doubts as to the accuracy of measurement of the assertiveness schedule without an intermediate analogue intervention. Implications for the efficacy of audiotape devices are suggested.

Credentialing of Substance Abuse Counselors: A Field Evaluation

Credentialing drug abuse counselors has been an increasing priority in state substance abuse programs aiming to establish minimal levels of competency in service providers. Current efforts by the State of Michigan to develop, implement, and evaluate three levels of credentials are reported from field test results. Candidates earning the “Apprentice-Counselor Credential” must pass a written examination based entirely on study objectives in an educational manual containing introductory information about pharmacology, treatment process, and client rights. Demographics of this candidate sample (counselors, students, and clients) are discussed in comparison to test score results. Qualified candidates were from different regional locations around Michigan and voluntarily participated in the field evaluation hoping to earn their credential before it was officially available. Phases in the evaluatory process involving preparation of manual, test construction, item analysis, and methodological concerns are elaborated. Educational goals ultimately achieved are concerning principles and concepts of drug and alcohol abuse counseling.

Shapers of culture: another look at the world's greatest behavior modifiers

What i f the worlds greatest behavior modifiers emerged from somewhere outside traditional schools of Behaviorism? This possibility may seem contradictory, but is rational. The contradiction derives from the parochial belief that only behaviorists know or apply methods of contingency control ( 1 , 2 ) . But surely applications of behavioral control do not require a specialty in behavior modification. I t is clear that not just behaviorists can cause socio-cultural changes with lasting effects ( 3 , 5 ) . Evidence from the 1977 survey (4) supported this claim. Fifty-eight historians were asked to rank individuals who, in their estimation, changed the behavior of a great number of persons through direct or indirect influence and that changes endured for successive generations. The six most frequently cited were Jesus Christ (67761, Karl Marx ( 4 4 % ) , Buddha ( 3 7 % ) . Freud ( 3 7 % ) , Mohammed ( 3 7 % ) , and Confucius ( 3 3 % ) , which contrast with the current survey of historians in psychology. Fellows, members, and associates of the American Psychological Association, Division 26, were randomly selected (N = 200) and sent a questionnaire. Questionnaires explained the purpose of the study and reasons for selection of the respondents. and assured respondents would remain anonymous. Respondents were to rank influential individuals. T o encourage returns, questionnaires were sent with a stamped, selfaddressed envelope and returned to a box number. Nearly 66% ( N = 131) of the original sample returned the questionnaire. Less than 4075 of the respondents identified either deceased or living psychologists as compared to the number of social, political, and religious persons; see the table. Jesus Christ, Karl Marx, and Gnfuc ius clearly dominated this group as did Freud and Plato for the psychologists (and philosophers).

Extinction and Resurgence of Scientific History: An Interbehavioral Analysis

Kantor’s historical analysis of scientific psychology is an example of a “naturalistic” or interbehavioral application in another discipline. He shows that (naturalistic) scientific psychology progresses through an early Hellenic period as pure naturalism, is extinguished with the influence of Christianity, and then reemerges following the Renaissance. A parallel development occurs in the case of “scientific history.” We propose that scientific history also begins as a naturalistic enterprise, undergoes extinction, and following its resurgence restores an objective approach to the practice of historiography. The congruence between the scientific careers of psychology and history serves as powerful verification of Kantor’s theory of the cultural matrix.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Human and Infrahuman Disorders

(1984). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Human and Infrahuman Disorders. Issues in Mental Health Nursing: Vol. 6, No. 3-4, pp. 219-224.