The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of previously assembled and proven behavior modification techniques and to compare the effects of thesse techniques to a placebo treatment emphasizing status attention and expectancy features inherent in the procedures. The use of direct family observation as a measurement of change provided a clear criterion for comparison of treatment techniques. The results showed that expectation of success in treatment remained high in both the placebo and treatment conditions. A detailed analysis of time spent with the two groups showed that, with the exception of telephone contact, both received equitable amount of time. The treatment condition milieu was characterized by a significantly higher rate of approval than the placebo group. Significant decreases in rates of targeted deviant behaviors were observed only in the treatment condition. Parent-collected data on targeted behaviors also showed significant decreases for the treatment group. Boys of the placebo families showed slight, but not significant, acceleration in targeted deviant behavior. Parent data from placebo families also reflected an increase in the number of daily child problems.