Chronic headache sufferers (N = 133) were assessed for Type A behaviour pattern using the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS). The Type A score frequency distribution for all headache subjects combined, and each headache type separately were examined. Median scores of the all subjects combined group fell into the indeterminate range of Type A scores, that is, neither Type A or Type B. This was also the case for migraine and tension sufferers. Mixed subject's scores fell into the range of scores usually classified as Type A. Forty-five percent of the mixed subjects fit the criteria for Type A behaviour pattern. Follow-up bivariate and multivariate analysis using J AS subscale scores as independent predictors and headache activity scores, from daily diaries, as dependent variables revealed only three correlations which approached significance. These results argue against a clear linear relationship between chronic headache and Type A behaviour pattern. There may be some utility in this construct when differentiated by headache type.

Very few attempts to enhance children's social competence have incorporated both cognitive and overt skill components. A case is made for the importance of cognitive influences upon children's social functioning. These include not only social-cognitive skills such as social perception, social problem solving and self monitoring but also the role of maladaptive cognitive events which interfere with adequate social response. Evidence concerning the importance of social-cognitive skills is discussed and the need for an integrated cognitive-behavioural approach in children's social enhancement programs is highlighted.

Attitudes of staff responsible for the implementation of behavioural programs toward the collection of data were assessed. A questionnaire was devised to evaluate three aspects of attitude towards data collection: perceived importance and/or usefulness of information gained, practical feasibility of data collection and professional support aspects of data collection. Seven items were pooled to generate an Attitude Score which was found to have high reliability and internal consistency. The remaining individually considered items were also reliable. Responses from 191 subjects indicated an overall positive attitude towards data collection. Theoretical and methodological problems are addressed and suggestions for further study are made.

Clients who are unable to attend regular therapy sessions over an extended period present a challenge for treatment. This paper describes a brief intensive program of cognitive therapy for depression that was designed for four residents of country towns. Effects were highly consistent with the impact of group treatments delivered on a more traditional schedule. If confirmed in a controlled group study, these results suggest that cognitive therapy may be applied more economically and more widely than was previously realized.

A 32-year-old man with a 10-year history of psychogenic urinary frequency was treated using a two-stage behavioural intervention. Stage 1 comprised urinary retention training, which led to a marked reduction in urinary frequency. Stage 2 employed retention training, in vivo desensitization and cognitive restructuring, resulting in a reduction of phobic avoidance and a decrease in self-reported social anxiety. Gains were maintained at two- and ten-month follow-ups. The results suggest that the introduction of retention training prior to counterconditioning leads to a rapid resolution of pollakiuretic behaviour when anxiety is implicated as a mediating factor.

For some years the author has casually observed the existence of a stereotypic motor disorder which does not appear to have been mentioned in the literature on tic disorders (e.g. Azrin & Nunn, 1973; Hersen & Eisler, 1973; Lanyon & Goldsworthy, 1982). The tic usually occurs when the person is walking along the street, although it can occur inside buildings, but only during walking. The tic begins with a sort of jump which results in one foot being thrust forward. Thereafter follows a flourish of arm waving which includes one arm being extended and swung through a 360° arc. The extended arm is usually the right arm, although occasionally it might be the left. Any particular ticquer, however, will exclusively use only either the right or the left arm.

It is interesting to note that the tic occurs only in males. The age of onset is usually about six years. A possible reason for the tic not being referred to in the literature is that spontaneous remission typically occurs at about 12 years. Another interesting feature of the tic is that it is only manifested during the summer months, becoming dormant during the winter period.