A Review of: “Fairburn,C. G. (2008). Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders.”

Successful reports of behavioral treatment of encopresis describe interventions as unpleasant as the disorder: hospitalization, laxatives, prompted toileting, aversive consequences. The focus on soiling rather than on the constant constipation that precedes encopresis, on the reduction of soiling rather than on the acquisition of effective toilet use. Five normal chronically constipated children (four of whom were encopretic) were treated at home with combinations of: preparatory instructions, rewards for clean pants, reward for appropriate toileting (bowel movement in toilet). Once soiling was eliminated and appropriate bowel movements occured regularly, all families were taught to fade treatment contingencies. To determine the contribution of the toileting reward to treatment effectiveness, this reward was added to the other two treatment components in a multiple baseline across four cases; it provided a significant ingredient in short-term success. A fifth child achieved short-term success with only the instructions and the clean pants reward. Long-term results (11-20 months) revealed that the fifth child, who never received the toileting reward, was the only one who relapsed.     

Book reviews

This paper reports findings from a study of the psychometric properties of a newly developed measure, the Spiritual Issues in Supervision Scale (SISS). The instrument was originally conceived in response to the growing need within the helping professions to understand the role of spirituality within clinical practice and supervision. While evidence supporting the internal consistency of the measure was obtained through a preliminary study, the present investigation provides a more detailed examination of the measure. Results reflect that the instrument in addition to being reliable, measures four dimensions of supervision that related to spirituality. Based on the findings of this study, conclusions are provided pertaining to the potential utility of the instrument.     

Media review

Abstract

The AIDS Movie. Produced by Durrin Films, Washington, DC. Film or videocassette, 26 minutes, color, 1986. Purchase: $455 for 16mm film, $390 for VHS. Rental: $57. All prices include shipping. A teaching guide and a copy of the U.S. Surgeon General's report are included. Contact New Day Films, 22 Riverview Drive, Wayne, NJ 07407: telephone, Barb Giniger, (202) 387-6700