Behavior Management: From Theoretical Implications to Practical Applications (1999). By John W. Maag. Singular Publishing Group, Inc., 401 West A St., Suite 325, San Diego, CA 92101-7904. 574 pages, $61.95. Reviewed by Sara Reichmuth, Arkansas State University.

As the title suggests, this softbound text provides a comprehensive discussion of behavior management-from its theoretical underpinnings to everyday application. Each of the 14 chapters begins with an overview and list of chapter objectives, and ends with a list of review questions.

The first four chapters provide basic information on behavior management including the origins of behavior management, a review of basic terminology (e.g., reinforcement, punishment, antecedents, consequences, rewards), misconceptions regarding behavior management techniques, and principles of applied behavior analysis. Chapters 5 through 7 thoroughly describe the purpose and procedures for conducting a functional assessment, counting and recording behavior, and graphing behavioral data. The remainder of the text presents practical discussions on, and examples of, techniques for preventing and decreasing problem behaviors, increasing desired behaviors, utilizing punishment, teaching children self-management, and generalizing behaviors across settings.

Although the topic of behavior management is certainly not new and numerous texts have been written on the subject, this book has merit. First, the author skillfully accomplishes his goal of writing a "user-friendly" text. The language of the text is simple and straightforward while maintaining a professional tone. Next, the practical examples, accompanied by detailed, step-by-step instructions and usable charts, provide even the novice practitioner of behavior management with sufficient information to choose and implement techniques appropriate to the situation. Finally, the sheer amount of information compiled in one source sets this book up as a possible "one and only" reference text for any practitioner's professional library.

In summary, this is a book that any professional who works with children will find an invaluable resource. The inclusion of numerous real-life examples of behavior management strategies presented in reader-friendly language also makes this book suitable as a primary text for an undergraduate or graduate behavior management course for students in education, special education, speech-language pathology, social work, and other child-oriented professions.