| Abstract: Behavior analysts have noted a continued gap between applied research and clinical practice (e.g. Allen & Poloha, 2003). One possible reason for this impression is that applied behavior analysis journals predominantly publish studies conducted in institutional environments rather than in clinician's offices, family homes, etc. (Coleman, et al., 2002). One area of practice where this "disconnect" has become increasingly apparent is in the prevention and treatment of delinquency-related behaviors (truancy, vandalism, substance abuse, vandalism, violence, etc.). For example, a keyword search of the contents of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis identified only one article in the history of the journal that specifically addressed delinquency (Kirigin, et al., 1982). By contrast, non-behavioral journals have a much richer history of publishing research studies on delinquency interventions (e.g. Hinton, et al., 2003). A review of these latter articles suggests that promising interventions, including those identified as effective by state and federal agencies, are largely based on applied behavior analytic principles. The present paper addresses the behavioral constructs inherent in successful delinquency interventions, and discusses the means and benefits of mainstream applied behavior analysis taking a more prominent role in the area of delinquency intervention and treatment. |