Sidney W. Bijou

Behavior therapy in the home: Amelioration of problem parent-child relations with the parent in a therapeutic role☆

Abstract The experimental modification of a problem mother-child relationship is described. The child, a four-year-old boy, was extremely difficult to manage and control. Treatment was carried out in the home with the mother as the therapist. The childs objectionable behaviors were observed to change in frequency and topography as a consequence of the treatment and appeared to generalize from the experimental hour to the remaining hours of the day. Nearly a month later, these changes were still in evidence.

Some Methodological Contributions From a Functional Analysis of Child Development1

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses two methodological problems of child behavior and development from a “functional point of view.” This phrase implies an approach in which only objectively defined concepts are used and the behaviors of the children are related directly to observable elements of their present circumstances and past interactional history. On the surface, this description may seem to be merely a reiteration of nearly universal current research practices with children. On closer scrutiny, this is found not to be the case. Therefore, prior to discussions of research, the chapter makes clear the meaning of psychological development, points out some of its implications, and takes a specific view of the nature of development.

POSITIVE REINFORCERS FOR EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES WITH CHILDREN-CONSUMABLES AND MANIPULATABLES

This paper is an analysis of the kinds and the ways that positive reinforcers may be used in experimental studies with children. For the purpose of this presentation they have been classified as follows: (a) consumables, (b) manipulatables, (c) visual and auditory stimuli, (d) social stimuli, and (e) tokens. The first two categories will be considered here; the other three, in a paper to follow.