Studied frequency of occurrence of four different types of physical contact (touching, holding hands, sitting-on-lap, and hugging) in school-based helping interactions between nonprofessional child aides and young referred children. Frequency of contact behaviors did not relate either to adjustment status at referral or to intervention outcomes.…

Two aides operating a kindergarten-style program for four to eight institutionalized mental retardates (6-to-11 years-old) were trained, using observer feedback, to apply generalized correct social contingencies to 10 defined classes of appropriate and inappropriate child behaviors. (Author)

Three nonprofessionals, including those with limited education and advanced age, received training to become effective behavior modification agents (therapists). Each was then individually observed and videotaped in his work with a retarded child. Therapists' performances were not adequate for effecting the desired changes in the childrens'…

Thirteen high school students were trained by an undergraduate psychology student daily in 6-hour sessions for one week and subsequently modified behaviors of five severely retarded children. (MC)

Part of a PhD dissertation submitted to Michigan State University.