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Behaviour modification with children in a natural environment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 February 2024

Michael W. Griffin*
Affiliation:
Psychology Clinic, LaTrobe University

Extract

Traditionally, when children were seen by their parents or teachers as exhibiting “problem” behaviors (e.g. tantrums, disobedience, stealing, reading difficulties, social withdrawal, incontinence) they were brought to the notice of a professional (often a psychologist) who proceeded to carry out “therapy” in a clinic or hospital. The child was seen as primarily the person with whom one should work, and the clinic as the setting where therapy should take place. Even in those cases where some form of “family therapy” was undertaken the emphasis remained on seeing the child in a clinical setting and rarely it seems was the parent or teacher taught specific behavior change skills.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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Footnotes

*

Mr Griffin has recently completed a Masters degree in the area of parent training, using a correspondence approach. In addition to his work as a clinical psychologist, primarily with children and their parents, Mr Griffin is currently engaged in writing about parent training programs.

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