Families: Applications of Social Learning to Family Life [Paperback]

Dr. Gerald R. Patterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1975 | ISBN-10: 0878221565 | ISBN-13: 978-0878221561 | Edition: Revised

This book helps parents recognize the crucial role they play in shaping their children's behavior. The first half of the book examines reinforcement and contracts as the basis for behavior management programs. The second half focuses on applications of social learning principles. In addition to addressing common problems such as whining and temper tantrums, the book offers practical advice on more complex problems such as aggression and stealing. Focuses on children and young adolescents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book is a careful, straightforward presentation of behavior modification techniques. . . useful as a resource in helping parents develop effective management techniques for delaing with behavioral problems." --Robert I. Havens, Personnel and Guidance Journal

"The material is well arranged, theoretical concepts being explained and then followed by precise and specific directions for their practical application." --David R. Mace, The Family Coordinator

"A useful supplementary tool, particularly for elementary and junior high counselors in their work with parents." --Richard W. Warner, Jr., The School Counselor

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Research Press; Revised edition (June 15, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878221565
• ISBN-13: 978-0878221561
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #668,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book for all parents., January 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Families: Applications of Social Learning to Family Life (Paperback)

FAMILIES has been around a long time, but it is still the book I us most when working with troubled families. Based upon social learning theory FAMILIES presents a clear, consise explaination of how problem behaviors are created, and how they can be extinguished. Written in simple language, any literate parent can understand the simple but profound lessons contained in this book. During my 20 years as a social worker and educatior I have purchased numerous copies of this book and handed them out to parents who are struggling with their children. I use FAMILIES primarily to help parents who are having problems with their children, but I recommend it to all parents. In a kind way the book illustrates how troubled children are sometimes created by parental mistakes.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent primer, September 30, 2006

By 

Alyssa A. Lappen (Earth) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Families: Applications of Social Learning to Family Life (Paperback)

This is an excellent primer on behavior modification--that is, rewarding a child for his or her good choices and withholding privileges for lack of compliance with basic family requirements. It is, as the previous reviewer suggested, not just for families with "troubled" children.

The book was suggested to us many years ago, and although it is itself more than 30 years old, the lessons here are timeless. As our source noted when referring us to this text, it should be required reading for every parent, and prospective parent.

In addition to outlining behavior modification techniques, the book provides excellent suggestions as to how to otherwise "reinforce" the good behaviors and discourage the bad ones.