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.

We examined the covariation of stereotyped behaviour and engagement in persons with profound intellectual and physical disabilities. Data are presented on the rates of stereotyped behaviour and engagement immediately prior to, during, and immediately after training sessions aimed at increasing manipulation of entertainment materials such as toys. The results indicated that (a) training was successful in achieving increased engagement, (b) stereotyped behaviour decreased when the level of engagement increased, even though stereotyped behaviour was not incompatible with engagement, and (c) after training ceased, stereotyped behaviour increased to higher levels than baseline and engagement decreased to below baseline levels.

A vocal tic, manifested by a persistent throat-clearing cough, was treated using the habit reversal procedure which was modified to include cognitive therapy. Treatment outcome was assessed using video recordings of tic frequency and self-report measures of anxiety, tic occurrence, and associated disruption to normal living. The treatment was very effective in alleviating the tic, with improvement maintained at 6 months follow-up. These findings indicate the need for further research to establish the usefulness of targeting cognitive processes in the treatment of tic behaviour.

A 37-year-old male with a 13-year history of atopic dermatitis (AD) was treated with cognitive behavioural stress management. Self-rated stress and extent of AD rash decreased from baseline to the end of treatment, and gains were maintained at follow-up. A significant correlation between stress and extent of AD rash was observed. Discussion focused on the possible role of stress induced immunosuppression on exacerbations of AD, and the need for controlled trials evaluating the treatment procedures used in the current study.

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.

Are Australian behaviourists compassionate and caring? Do we bother to find out what our consumers want? Do our consumers find our approach acceptable or are we running the risk of becoming an endangered species? These questions are considered along with how we might approach the problems the species of Australian behaviourists face so that our heart can beat steadily well in to the nineties.

The Fear Questionnaire (FQ) has been widely used both nationally and internationally in the anxiety disorder literature. Research from a variety of centres advocating its psychometric properties and clinical utility is now available; however a critical and integrated review has been lacking. This paper offers an integration of empirical research for cross-cultural comparison and as a testament of the FQ itself. A refined FQ is also proposed to enhance its utility.

The aim of this clinical note is to describe a cost effective method of collecting parent reports of their children's behaviour, and to stimulate research and discussion about its application.

The method was developed in a community based children's mental health clinic which saw many parents who sought help to improve the noncompliant behaviour of their children. Behavioural methods were used extensively because they often lead to lasting changes, are cost effective, and are accepted by parents.

An 8-week group program taught parents to observe and record their children's behaviour, and to use these records with behaviour management skills and problem-solving techniques to develop their own approach to discipline. Behaviour management skills included reinforcement, time-out, extinction, effective use of commands, house rules, and contracts.

Therapists wanted to collect data frequently to assess problems, tailor an intervention program for the family's needs, and to evaluate the extent and maintenance of change. In addition, therapists wished to monitor the client's progress and involvement with the program and take early steps to correct any problems. The research component required regular data to evaluate the overall outcome and to analyse the effect of particular components of the program.

Unfortunately, the methodological standard of using independent observers to rate changes in the behaviour of families was judged to be inappropriate in the clinic. With a small number of staff facing a high demand for services, it was argued that the expense of independent observers was difficult to justify. Staff favouring nonbehavioural approaches and those less enthusiastic about research perceived the use of independent observers as intrusive and unwieldy. There was no easy access to researchers, grant funds, or tertiary institutions who could assist.