[Behavior therapy of uncontrolled imbecilic children].

This paper reports the use over a period of five months of operant conditioning methods, which consisted above all in the withdrawal of privileges, in the case of ten preschool-age problem children. In all of the patients, the program of behavioral therapy resulted in a considerable reduction of the rate of occupational malbehavior. "Good conduct" showed a slight decrease as the challenging character of recompense grew smaller, but was still above the initial level. Intelligence, extraversion, and emotional lability are related to the results of behavioral therapy and discussed in detail. Operant conditioning appears effective when a clear reaction is required under simple conditions of stimulation. In the case of more complex situations with a variety of behavioral alternatives, imitiative learning should be far more promising.