ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a study that compares the outcomes of two of the major procedures in behavior modification, applied both singly and in combination. Moreover, the study evaluates the long-term effects of the observational acquisition of social skills as influenced by naturally occurring and/or programmed reinforcement. The efficiency of symbolic modeling as a means of modifying social withdrawal was demonstrated. Social isolates were shown a modeling film designed to transmit social competencies and simultaneously reduce fear of interaction with peers. The film had been staged in the Ss' nursery school rooms, employing six actors of nursery school age. It was found that a single viewing of the film increased isolate childrens' social interaction to the level of nonisolates. While the efficiency and durational outcome of differential treatment procedures are important considerations to which the study was directed, the nature of the disorder selected for modification is of no small consequence in psychopathology and personality development.
