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| International Paper Session - Behavioral Services Around the World: Analysis and Application |
| Monday, May 28, 2007 |
| 10:30 AM–11:50 AM |
| Betsy B |
| Area: CSE |
| Chair: Sarah Taylor (University of Auckland, New Zealand, and Odyssey House) |
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| Thumbs Up NZ: Token Economy in a Substance Abuse Programme for Teens. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| SARAH TAYLOR (University of Auckland, New Zealand & Odyssey Hous), Oliver C. Mudford (University of Auckland, New Zealand) |
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| Abstract: Minimal positive reinforcement was introduced at a residential facility for adolescents with substance abuse problems in New Zealand. This was met with approval by staff and residents and led to the introduction of a token economy named “Thumbs up”. The Thumbs Up programme has rewarded participants for behaviours such as positive verbal statements, cleaning rooms up to standard, leadership responsibilities and adhering to aspects of the treatment programme. A multiple baseline across settings, behaviours, and participants was used. The programme is individualised in the sense that participants have input in the behaviour they want to change and the back-up rewards they will work for. Results gained and future directions will be discussed. |
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| Smoking Cessation Procedures versus Human Rights: Baseline Interventions. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| ZACHARY P. SHOEMAKER (Behavioral and Counseling Services, LLC), Michael E. Rohr (Behavioral and Counseling Services, LLC), Felicia Patton (Behavioral and Counseling Services, LLC) |
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| Abstract: Human Right’s parameters may hinder effective smoking cessation interventions for community-based adults with developmental disabilities. For instance, Can the cigarettes be taken away even if the individual purchased them with their own money? Does a Medical Doctors’ order to stop smoking have to be followed? Does the individual have a choice? Can staff distract (delay) an individual from smoking because of their disability? Does the individual possess the right to have a cigarette if they ask for one? Does competence enter into the equation?
Prior to any behavioral interventions and any discussion with a Human Rights Committee (HRC) we have encountered some procedures that have been implemented within community-based agencies that show a decrease in cigarette consumption. Evidence has surfaced that these procedures have produced an overall decrease and have had little impact on staff resources. The absence of a HRC, while sustaining low rates, lead us to investigate whether HRC involvement would promote a reduction or to variables that may increase the frequency of consumed cigarettes. Perhaps the involvement of behavioral services and a systematic approach in treating “smoking” as an addictive behavior could lead to more effective treatment in reducing cigarette consumption with developmentally disabled adults. |
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| The Work-Related Values of Health Care Professionals, Value-Based Behavior, and its Barriers. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| MARTTI T. TUOMISTO (University of Tampere, Finland), Susanna Helminen (Mänttä Health Care District ) |
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| Abstract: Our purpose was to investigate the work-related personal values of Finnish health care professionals (n = 62) and the relationship of the values with actions, and the barriers perceived to them. We used the Values Assessment Forms used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when gathering data in this pilot study.
The most common values regarding performance at work were “client centred services” (72.8 %), “responsibility” (45.2 %), “collegiality” (28.6 %), “resources at work” (26.2 %), “control of work” (19.0 %), “meaningfulness of work” (16.7 %), “absence of hurry” (14.3%), and “results of work“ (7.1 %). Most common values regarding personal development at work were “increased knowledge” (57.1 %), “client centred services” (26.2 %), “the professional’s situation” (23.8 %), “specific skills” (21.4 %), “comprehensiveness of the work” (19.0 %), “collegiality” (16.7 %), and “openness to new ideas” (16.7 %). Most common values regarding cooperation with colleagues were “collegiality” (66.7 %), “appreciation of professional skills” (57.1 %), “transmission of information in the organization” (31.0 %), “work climate” (28.6 %), and “individual work towards common good” (21.4 %). We also studied the relationship of work to leisure time, the actions undertaken towards the values in different areas of work, the barriers to the actions, and the relationships between these variables. In addition, the congruity of personal values with those of the organisation was examined. Significant relationships were found between many work-related values, actions, and the barriers to the actions. A specific analysis was done comparing those in training of Behavior Therapy (BT) with other health care personnel. The people in training of BT differed from other health care personnel so that they valued “client centred services” more and “collegiality” less than other health care professionals. |
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