A series of observation studies on elderly demented patients were carried out in an attempt to devise a reliable instrument for measuring engaged behaviour and emotional responses. This was achieved in a number of stages, and a final small scale study demonstrated a high level of inter-rater reliability. The instrument was then employed to assess the effects of a short-term intervention in a group of non-verbal elderly patients on a geriatric ward. A single case design was employed and replicated across six subjects. The results provide some support for the efficacy of this type of intervention, although there was considerable inter-subject variability in response.

Referrals for young males with drink-related offending behaviours were obtained from local courts. Following an assessment interview, young offenders completed either a talk-based Alcohol Education Course (AEC) or a behavioural AEC. At follow-up interviews, differences in dependent variables of offending and drinking behaviour were observed. The results are discussed in the context of their possible implications for practice.

Memory disorders feature amongst the most common complaints following brain injury. Theories of recovery and data derived from cognitive rehabilitation studies indicate that restoration of function is not a realistic goal, but recent work suggests that memory disordered patients often retain residual learning capabilities that can be utilized in teaching them certain kinds of information of practical use. This paper describes encouraging results obtained in teaching a patient computer related information by the method of vanishing cues. The patient learned more rapidly with this method than with anticipation learning, he showed evidence of good retention and, in contrast to earlier studies, he showed some evidence of generalization. However, the method may not be effective for all patients.

This study presents the results of a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of treating people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in group. Twenty-four clients in four groups run consecutively participated in the study. Outcome measures of statistical and clinical significance suggest that specific effects on the reduction of OCD symptoms were small. However, important positive non-specific effects were achieved relating to enhanced mood, reduction of the disabling effects of the symptoms, and clients self reported increased sense of hope, understanding and control. Initial improvements were maintained at six month follow-up. Clients' rating of helpfulness for the different contents of the group programme were highest for non-specific aspects. The author suggests that the presented group programme may have an important pre-treatment role in helping OCD clients prior to individual therapy.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a multiple treatment approach to the group treatment of hypnotic and non-hypnotic taking insomniacs. Twenty subjects sequentially assigned into four groups attended weekly group therapy over a period of 11–13 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment comparisons indicated an overall improvement of the total sample on measures of general health, benzodiazepine related symptom reduction, reduction from hypnotic sedative medication as well as on measures of the quality and quantity of sleep. Overall there was a marked similarity between hypnotic and non-hypnotic users on the measures both before and after treatment. Psychological approaches are suggested as an effective alternative to the prescription of sedative-hypnotics to both recent and chronic insomnia sufferers. The implications of the findings are discussed.

I remember quite well my first exposure to an international conference of behaviour therapists, albeit through a haze of Irish hospitality. As a trainee clinical psychologist in the early 1970s, at a time when training budgets could stretch to the occasional foreign conference, I was fortunate enough to attend one of the early, and now infamous, Wexford Congresses on Behaviour Modification, organized by the now defunct Behavioural Engineering Association of Ireland.

On a cold and dull Autumn Friday in 1972, I was among hordes of Behaviour Changers/Modifiers/Engineers/Therapists (all to become Psychotherapists) making their way from the four corners of Britain to the Middlesex Hospital in London. We were all going to a meeting to discuss the setting up of a National Association for those interested in Behavioural … whatever. When I arrived, I was refused entry unless I paid £3 annual membership fee to the very smartly dressed bouncer on the door who claimed to be the Treasurer. “But I thought the meeting was to decide if we are going to form an Association and, if so, to elect the officers!” My protests were in vain, as would have been my 460 mile day trip if I had not parted with my £3 — I have never really mastered contingency management!

The co-editor of the first BABP Newsletter in 1973 reminisces on the excitement of early behavioural therapy in the UK but is disappointed at the pace of change at service delivery level.