An Examination of Some Trends in Child Behavior Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine some trends in child behavior therapy over the past 12 years and to suggest some future directions. Four behavioral journals that have been in existence since at least 1970 were examined for type of behavior treated and type of treatment technique utilized. Beginning with 1970 every other year of each journal was examined and 410 articles dealing with the treatment of children were identified. There was no systematic trend across years in the number of articles published in this area. Furthermore, only a few trends across years were noted for behaviors treated or treatment technique utilized. Negative behaviors, particularly acting out ones, had been targeted for treatment most often. Consequences, particularly of a positive nature, had been utilized most often as the treatment technique of choice. The need to expand our models by treating new behaviors and utilizing new techniques was discussed.