Am J Psychiatry 1981; 138:1161-1169
Copyright © 1981 by American Psychiatric Association
Overview: applications of operant technology to behavioral disorders of adolescents
GR Moss and GR Rick
Through a comprehensive review of the pertinent literature, the authors
document the minimal impact of operant technology on adolescent psychiatry.
Turning largely to the literature from other, nonmedical disciplines, they
describe the development of effective behavioral interventions with
inpatient populations, applications to the outpatient setting, and ethical
and legal issues. The authors conclude that operant technology applied to
behavioral disorders of adolescents can offer powerful and reliable
therapeutic effects. They comment on the limited impact of operant
technology on adolescent psychiatry and suggest future directions that may
lead to greater interest and acceptance by psychiatrists.
