Mental and Social Health Commons^™

The Effects Of A Performance-Management Procedure On High School Students With Poor Academic Achievement, Thomas R. Harwood

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the effectiveness of contracting for all classes and the contigent presentation of incentives for school work completed. fifteen high school students who earned a grade point average below 1.5 (on a 4.0 scale) volunteered for the contracting classroom. The subjects were ranked and randomly assigned to the first experimental group, the second experimental group, or the control group. The first experimental group had incentives contingent upon contracts completed, the second experimental group received the incentive noncontigent upon contract completion, and the control group did not attend the contract completion, and the control group did not attend the …

Pedometer Recorded Activity And Self-Report As Measures Of Treatment Outcome In Primary Dysmenorrhea: Relationship To Premenstrual Syndrome, Vicki Link Trejbal

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was threefold: first, to determine if a pedometer measure of motor activity could be used as one indicator of the degree of dysmenorrhea present in an individual; second, to determine the degree, if any, of the relationship present between the measure and self-report measures of symptomatology used in a modified Daily Symptom Rating Scale; and third, to assess the effects of naproxen sodium and a placebo on the self-report measures and the behavioral measure of symptomatology. Three subjects wore pedometers and completed modified Daily Symptom Rating Scale forms throughout the study. Each subject showed treatment …

A Study Of Treatment Effects Of Short-Term Hospitalization, Sherwin R. Van Klompenberg

Masters Theses

This research addressed the effects of short-term multifaceted inpatient treatment programs upon the severity of depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory.

The study was designed as a pre-post test using the Correlated t Test to analyze the results. The descriptive analysis describes what is presently taking place in a short-term hospital facility. The treatment staff indicated which treatment modalities should impact specific items on the Beck Depression Inventory. The data analysis supports the hypothesis that short-term multifaceted inpatient treatment will have a positive treatment effect upon depression. Statistical analyses were also conducted upon various population subgroups.

The treatment …

Behavioral Interventions For The Cessation Of Cigarette Smoking Behavior: A Literature Review, Russell David Matthews

Masters Theses

The negative impact of cigarette smoking on health has been medical knowledge for many years. This provides the behavioral investigator with a large population of subjects engaging in a maladaptive behavior which is easily defined and measured and highly resistant to extinction. This study critically reviews published accounts of behavioral interventions for cessation of cigarette smoking, which were listed in the Psychological Abstracts, and other published bibliographies, 1964-1984. Despite the volume of studies reviewed, very few demonstrated effectiveness over time. The author concludes while several techniques proved to be effective initially, their effectiveness diminished within months after application. However, several …

Alcoholism: The Insidious Disease, Kathryn Van Bruggen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to describe alcoholism as a disease, it s likely etiology, symptoms, methods of treatment and prognosis. Problems due to alcoholism are reported as they affect not only the alcoholic but the family, job and community as well. Education will help identify an alcoholic problem before it becomes too advanced. Various treatment modalities are discussed, including Alcoholics Anonymous. This study relates to the impact on the family and how the family can exacerbate the problem. Conclusions are based on observations of alcoholics and families of alcoholics in a therapeutic setting and literature review.

Acute Effects Of Phenytoin And Thioridazine, Alone And Combination, Upon Water Intake And Body Weight Changes In Rats, Miriana Witzig-Krstic

Masters Theses

Concommitant medication of anticonvulsants and psychotropics appears to be predominant among mentally retarded, geriatric, and psychiatric in- and out-patient populations. Despite suggested interaction and toxicity resulting from such combination treatment, substantial data remains unavailable. This study was designed to explore effects of dual treatment of thioridazine

A Modification Of The Dry-Bed Training For The Treatment Of Nocturnal Enuresis, Abubaker Muftah Abdurrazek

Masters Theses

The present study explored the effectiveness of the Dry-Bed Training (DBT) method without positive practice (20 trips to the toilet) and urine alarm. It also compares the efficacy of the DBT with and without the urine alarm. Eight nocturnally enuretics, aged 6 to 12 years, were assigned to two groups, experimental and control; each consisted of three boys and one girl. During the first phase of treatment, the experimental group underwent the DBT without positive practice and urine alarm, whereas the control group underwent the DBT with positive practice but no alarm. Subsequently, the urine alarm was introduced to both …

The Use Of Alternative Behaviors, Covert Sensitization And A Package Intervention In Treatment Of Bulimia, Janice Marie Arone

Masters Theses

Bulimia is a complex eating disorder that involves bouts of binge eating which are usually followed by a purge to rid the individual of the unwanted food. This disorder occurs primarily in females and may lead to several medical and psychological complications. The efficacy of two single component treatments and a package intervention designed to decrease variables related to binge eating were investigated with three bulimic females. The results of the research indicated that individuals who were exposed to the package intervention experienced the largest decrements in the binge eating when compared to the single component procedures.

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Student-Generated Versus Instructor-Generated Questions On The Comprehension Of Written Material, Helen Diann Pratt

Masters Theses

Twelve college students volunteered to participate in a special section of an introductory psychology course at Western Michigan University. A multiple baseline design across groups was used to assess differences in reading comprehension between students who received study objectives written by the instructor and students trained to write their own study objectives. Quizzes and examinations were used to assess students' reading comprehension of course materials. A comparison of pre- and post-test scores on the Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension Test was used to determine whether students had acquired skills which aided their comprehension of other materials. Results indicated no statistically significant differences …

Supplementary Materials On Drug Education, Vickie Ellen Clay

Masters Theses

Statement of Problem:

The problem of this paper was to develop supplementary drug materials to be used with the health textbook at Potomac High School. The information provided in the current health textbook is not thorough enough to provide adequate information in some areas of drug pharmacology. The supplementary materials are designed to not only provide factual information but also to encourage attitudinal changes in the students through the use of various activities.

Procedure:

Four steps have been taken in order to solve the problem of developing supplementary drug materials for the Potomac High School health education class. A review …

Assertiveness Training For Black College Freshmen, Ollie G. Barnes

Masters Theses

This study was designed to train Black college freshman to be effectively assertive in their interactions with the University faculty and staff. Thirty freshman students were randomly assigned to two groups of fifteen each, the control group and the training group. Following the pretest, the training group took part in a 32-hour assertiveness training program. The program consisted of modeling, coaching, behavior rehearsal, peer and trainer feedback, homework, self-recording and instructional training. These techniques were used to train students to effectively use nonverbal skills, assertive content and select appropriate conflict management strategies. The control group received no formal training. Significant …

Medical Oncologists' Self-Reported Practices And Opinions Regarding Cancer Chemotherapy Informed Consent Procedures, George Walter Rakowsky

Masters Theses

This study gathered descriptive data on the parameters of informed consent with cancer chemotherapy patients from the medical oncologists' point of view. A review of the literature suggested that no such research has previously been attempted. A description of disclosure practices would clarify current procedures and would also serve as a guide for further research in the area.

Six hundred questionnaires were mailed to medical oncologists, and thirty percent of these were returned. Data were analyzed primarily using descriptive statistics. Additionally, relationships between demographic variables and different disclosure practices were investigated.

Significant relationships were observed between variables reflecting the size …

Long Slow Distance Running As A Treatment For Moderate Depression Of Outpatients, Dalene Degraaf Vandenhoek

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of "long slow distance" (LSD) running as a treatment for moderate depression. Clients diagnosed with "moderate primary depression" were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Individuals receiving the running treatment walked and ran slowly for forty minutes three times a week for ten weeks. Those receiving psychotherapy participated in behavior therapy one hour a week for ten weeks. According to biweekly scores on the Symptom Checklist-90 and Beck Depression Inventory, the anxiety and depression of the clients who ran improved as much as those receiving behavior therapy.

The Relationship Between Methylphenidate (Ritalin) And Growth Patterns In Children Diagnosed As Hyperactive, Teri Mitchel Hibbard

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the administration of methylphenidate hydrochloride had an effect on normal growth patterns in children diagnosed as hyperactive. Subjects were assigned to one of three methylphenidate treatment groups by the amount of time (in years) they received medication. Length of treatment ranged from up to one year through three years. Using NCHS growth charts, measurement percentiles (height and weight) were compared to pre-treatment percentiles to determine effect of medication. Results indicated that the administration of methylphenidate had a significant growth suppressing effect on children, the effect was proportional across measurements i.e., height …

Generalization Of Self-Control For Disruptive Behavior In The Classroom, Darline Haley

Masters Theses

The objective of this study was to produce and evaluate a self-control procedure for disruptive behavior in the classroom which encouraged the generalization of behavior changes to other school settings. The self-control training components of self-recording, self-evaluation, criterion setting, and problem solving were all incorporated into the self-control procedures. This study also controlled for self-recording reactive effects prior to the initiation of the self-control training.

The findings of this study indicate that self-control training may be an effective method for decreasing disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Teaching Change Computation To The Developmentally Disabled, Nancy Daeschlein

Masters Theses

This study evaluated a procedure for teaching three developmentally disabled adults to compute monetary change combinations. Also, the procedure assessed generalization to the skills of computing change with bills, verifying the correctness of change received, and computing change with both coins and bills. Subjects were first trained to make change using pennies and then were trained to use each successive denomination in combination with those previously trained. A multipleprobe design was used, including generalization probes of the above-cited skills. Results indicated that each subject acquired the behavior of change computation with coins as a function of the training procedure. Also, …

Identifying Jungial Personality Type By The Instrument Of Self-Report, Charles Clay Livingston

Masters Theses

This paper examines the instrument of self-report and its use in identifying and measuring the elements of the personality as defined by C. G. Jung. Jung's theory of personality is briefly explained, and self-report as a general instrument of personality assessment is critically examined. Selected research on the construction and use of self-report tests is reviewed and critically evaluated. The author asserts that the bipolar assumption that is often implicit in the construction of test items is not representative of the personality as Jung portrayed it. The author suggests revisions in the construction of test items and a scoring gradient …

The Validation Of A Behavioral Programmed Text For Increasing Self-Control Attitudes, Douglas Howard Ruben

Masters Theses

Applied behavior analysis programs designed to reduce attitudes about addictive behavior have been weak as far as overall training results. This research was an alternative training model in that it contained (a) a programmed instructional manual and self-paced homework assignments, and (b) lecture sessions. Selection of subjects from a local prison and private industry was based on indicated needs for substance abuse rehabilitation. Subjects went through a series of 9 programmed instructional units on developing self-control, and met for one weekly session for 9 consecutive weeks. Each instructional unit taught within a cognitive-behavioral model introduced concepts and techniques related to …

Cerebrovascular Lesions, Emotional Behavior And Changes In Reinforcement Density, George Kahle Henry

Masters Theses

Two adult stroke patients, one left hemisphere and one right hemisphere, reported weekly levels of depression, anxiety, and hostility following discharge to the home environment. Spouses reported weekly levels of perceived changes in emotional behavior. Data on changes in emotional behavior were recorded using the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist. Weekly rates of positive reinforcement were recorded throughout the study for both patients. Following an eight week baseline period the rate of positive reinforcement was increased via manipulation of homework assignments to involve the patients in previously enjoyed activities. Results revealed a moderately high negative correlation between patient*s reported level of …

An Evaluation Of The Regulated Breathing Method In Treatment Of Stuttering, Paul B. Greilick

Masters Theses

The effects of the regulated breathing method on several characteristics of the speech of four stutterers were assessed in a multiple baseline across subjects design. Repeated measures of stuttering frequency, speech rate , and fluency rate were obtained in multiple settings before, at termination, and through six months post-treatment Subjects' estimates of stuttering frequency were compared with objective measures of stuttering across phases. At post-treatment and follow-up, although stuttering frequency had decreased and speech rate increased substantially compared to baseline, subjects continued to stutter frequently. Additionally, subjects consistently underestimated frequency of stutters as measured by the experimenter. The efficacy of …

Assertiveness Training With Mildly Mentally Retarded Institutionalized Persons, David Larry Bokor

Masters Theses

Assertiveness training is a psychological intervention strategy designed to develop the skills of individuals who fail to defend and express their rights, feelings, or beliefs in a straightfoward manner.

Currently there is no set procedure regarding the composition of assertiveness training when modified to suit the needs of various populations. However a vast majority of professionals do employ effective basic techniques, i.e. behavior rehearsal, coaching, feedback, and social reinforcement to shape assertive request and refusal behavior.

Low intelligence limits the mentally retarded person's ability to cope with emotional difficulties. Individuals that recognize their limitations often experience feelings of inadequacy, frustration, …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Training, Internships, And Job Opportunities For Clinical And Counseling Psychologists, Mary Theresa Zirpoli

Masters Theses

Recent literature indicates that clinical and counseling psychologists are trained in very different ways, work with very different populations, and perform different skills. The literature also shows this traditional exclusivity to be vanishing. Three studies were conducted to determine similarities and differences in the training, internships, and types of jobs that clinical and counseling psychologists obtain. Data for the three studies were obtained from the curricula of 7k American Psychological Association approved graduate programs, six job opening lists from the American Psychological Association Monitor, and the American Psychological Internship Centers Manual. Variables included specific types of coursework, settings, patient population, …

Acquisition And Transfer Of Behavior Management Skills: An Empirical Functional Analysis Of Staff And Client Gains, Elaine Bellis

Masters Theses

A multiple baseline design across instructional conditions was used to assess the effects of a s ta ff training package consisting of written rules, daily monitoring, public posting of performance data, and allotments of contingent break-time privileges on the behavior management skills of tutors in suppressing the stereotypic behavior of retarded individuals. The intervention package was sequentially introduced in three different instructional conditions in the following order: a group session, a one-to-one session, and a transition period. Following baseline, three tutors were trained to apply consistent and accurate consequences to varying rates of self-stimulatory behavior exhibited by three impaired subjects. …

Counseling And Support Program For Retarded Adults: A Grant Proposal, Claudia Jo Unruh-Degood

Masters Theses

A grant is proposed to develop a consumer based counseling and support program to provide rehabilitation/ rehabilitation services in the areas of emotional, interpersonal and behavioral functioning for mentally retarded adults. A variety of therapeutic groups and a peer counseling program will be designed to utilize known principles of behavior. Provisions will be made for maximum client-consumer participation in all decision making processes of the program. Pre and post-treatment assessment measures will be employed to evaluate individual progress. It is expected that this treatment program will reduce emotional disturbance and maladaptive behaviors in the target population of mentally retarded adults. …

The Hyperactive Child And The Family: A Procedural Approach To Evaluation And Treatment, Marian Maria Sofia Van Dooijeweert

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present thesis is to evaluate the hyperactive child in a manner that true hyperactivity will not be confused with hyperactive behaviors which are caused by illnesses, stress at school, stress at home, and with normal childhood energy.

No two hyperactive children are alike. They vary in personality, problems, strengths, weaknesses, and environment. In general, hyperactive children are said to have several common characteristics such as poor performance in school, short attention spans, impulsiveness, poor motor control, low frustration levels, and an inability to delay gratification of needs and demands.

Clinical experience reveals that most hyperactive children …

Exercise As Antecedent Control Of Various Inappropriate Behaviors, Jan E. Bachman

Masters Theses

The effects of several levels of exercise on inappropriate behaviors of four trainable mentally impaired subjects were observed in a school setting. Treatment conditions, which occurred as the first daily activity, included (a) Phase I, daily alternating conditions of warm-up exercises and jogging at a moderate rate for a short distance; (b) Phase II, daily alternating conditions of no exercise and jogging at a vigorous rate for a moderate distance; and (c) Phase III, jogging at a vigorous rate for a moderate distance on consecutive days. For one subject two additional conditions, (a) Phase IV, jogging on consecutive days at …

The Management Of Blood Pressure Using Progressive Muscle Relaxation Under Nonstressful And Stressful Conditions, A. Janelle Maldonado

Masters Theses

Progressive muscle relaxation was assessed as a method, for controlling "blood pressure under stressful and nonstressful conditions using a multiple Baseline across subjects design* Three borderline hypertensive subjects were trained in two experimental conditions, progressive muscle relaxation under resting conditions (PMR) and progressive muscle relaxation while performing time-limited tasks known to produce temporary increments in blood pressure (PMR + Math). Generalization of training effects to nontraining conditions was assess ed in post-training, task only, sessions and in the home environment. Measures of changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as frontalis EMG were recorded once per minute for …

The Detection Of Behavioral Effects In The F(Sub)1(/Sub) Generation Of Mice Treated During Spermatogenesis With Cyclophosphamide, Procarbazine Or Mitomycin C, Anthony Michael Podraza

Masters Theses

Five CF₁ male mice were injected with 300 mg Procarbazine, 2 mg of Mitomycin C, 40 mg of Cyclophosphamide per kg body weight or saline control. Each male was mated to two untreated females 1-2 and 8-9 weeks after treatment, allowing for the evaluation of treatment upon spermatooza and spermatogonium, respectively. Offspring were evaluated through observations of reproduction. Dominant lethal effect was seen in the 8-9 week Cyclophosphamide, 1-2 and 8-9 week Procarbazine groups. Decreased weights were seen in all three treatment groups from the two mating times. In the water escape test, the 1-2 week Mitomycin C, 8-9 …

Enuresis: A Case Study, Elaine Lee Phillips

Masters Theses

A 15-year-old male with a history of high rates of nocturnal enuresis was trained using the method of Azrin and Thienes (1978) and Azrin, Thienes, Hontos, and Besatel (1979). The method consisted of a 1 and 1/2-hour in-office training of the child and parents. The parents then conducted an intensive training day and subsequent procedures in the home. The procedures included reinforcement for increased urine retention and dryness, training for increased alertness to bladder cues and sensations of dryness, an over-correction procedure for wetness, and behavior rehearsals of correct toileting sequences. Using this method, the child ceased bedwetting. The Azrin …

Training Self-Control In Food Selection Through Verbal Self-Instruction, Thomas Vincent O'Melia

Masters Theses

This project was designed to teach children self-control through verbal self-instruction and self-reinforcement procedures prior to snack time in order to determine if they would learn to choose more nutritious foods during that period. Food facts and related health information were taught by the use of fictitious stories. In the experimental classroom the children heard stories, approximately 3 to 5 minutes long, that emphasized food facts and related health effects. After the stories, the children were allowed to go to a snack bar to select from "good and bad" foods. A set of questions and information was rehearsed prior to …