Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Modification of an impulsive cognitive tempo in emotionally disturbed boys

  • Published:
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In order to determine the relative effectiveness of verbal selfinstructions and training to delay before responding in modifying an impulsive cognitive style, 15 impulsive emotionally disturbed boys were assigned to one of three groups. The cognitivetraining group was given practice in verbal selfinstructions, the delay-training group received practice in delaying before responding, and the control group received no training. Posttreatment scores on the Matching Familiar Figures Test showed a significant increase in latencies for both the cognitive and delaytraining groups. However, only the cognitive training group, which had received practice in verbal self instructions, made fewer errors following training. Implications for future research and potential treatment strategies for verbal selfinstructions are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Finch, A. J., Jr., & Nelson, W. M. III. Reflection-impulsivity and behavioral problems in emotionally disturbed children.Journal of Genetic Psychology, in press.

  • Kagan, J. Individual differences in the resolution of response uncertainty.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1965,2, 154–160. (a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kagan, J. Reflection-impulsivity and reading ability in primary grade children.Child Development, 1965,36, 609–628. (b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kagan, J. Reflection-impulsivity: The generality and dynamics of conceptual tempo.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 1966,71, 17–24.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kagan, J., & Kogan, N. Individual variation in cognitive processes. In P. H. Mussen (Ed.),Carmichael's manual of child psychology (Vol. 1, 3rd ed.). New York: Wiley, 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kagan, J., Pearson, L., & Welsch, L. Modifiability of an impulsive tempo.Journal of Educational Psychology, 1966,57, 359–365.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meichenbaum, D. H., & Goodman, J. Training impulsive children to talk to themselves.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 1971,77, 115–126.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Montgomery, L. E., & Finch, A. J., Jr. Reflection-impulsivity and locus of conflict in emotionally disturbed children.Journal of Genetic Psychology, 1975,12, 89–91.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Virginia Commonwealth University, USA

    W. M. Nelson III

  2. Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Mental Health and Retardation Services, USA

    L. E. Montgomery

  3. Virginia Treatment Center for Children, Box 1-L, 23201, Richmond, Virginia

    A. J. Finch Jr. (Coordinator of Research) & Maxine Doyle Wilkinson

Authors
  1. A. J. Finch Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Maxine Doyle Wilkinson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. W. M. Nelson III
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. L. E. Montgomery
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Finch, A.J., Wilkinson, M.D., Nelson, W.M. et al. Modification of an impulsive cognitive tempo in emotionally disturbed boys. J Abnorm Child Psychol 3, 49–52 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00916030

Download citation

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00916030

Keywords

Search

Navigation