The Birth of Behaviour Change: A Call for Articles on Behavioural Programming in Australasia

Extract

This is the first issue of Behaviour Change, a publication of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association. Since the formation of behaviour modification interest groups within the various states in the 1970s, two publications have appeared, i.e. the Australian Behaviour Therapist (ABT) and the South Australian Behaviour Therapist (SABT). The Sydney-based ABT served the function of a national newsletter/journal, while the SABT concentrated upon meeting local needs. For various reasons the ABT and SABT have ceased publication. It has always been the consensus of opinion, however, the there should be a regular publication of some kind on “behaviour modification”. A significant step was taken when the National Committee of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association, May 1983 (Adelaide), recommended that the Victorian Branch investigate the “feasibility and format” of a regular publication. The Victorian Branch presented a written report to the National Committee, September 1983 (Sydney), recommending a regular publication and specific guidelines with respect to content and management. After much discussion, it was agreed that the publication be called Behaviour Change, and that the Victorian Branch take responsibility for the endeavour. After several years it is expected that another Branch will take over the responsibility of publishing Behaviour Change.