Modeling techniques, drug-abstinence behavior, and heroin addicts: A pilot study.

Investigated the applicability of a "vicarious behavior induction" (VBI) strategy to a residential treatment program for heroin addicts. This strategy was tested using a "videomodel" procedure, in which Ss viewed a series of videotapes developed to depict a model exhibiting "coping" behavior in solving problems related to maintaining drug abstinence (i.e., accepting help, job interviewing, capitalizing on street skills). These results were compared to those obtained from Ss who had viewed a videotaped lecture about coping behavior ("videolecture"). 22 Black heroin addicts from an urban community-based residential drug-abuse treatment program were randomly assigned to either a videomodel or videolecture group. In small subgroups they discussed their respective videotapes with an ex-addict paraprofessional and the E. Ss who participated in the videomodeling group had substantially better vocational outcomes 30, 90 and 180 days after treatment than those who participated in the videolecture group. Advantages of the VBI behavior change strategy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)