Eye color as a predictor of outcomes in behavior therapy

Eye color research has centered primarily on the dimension of self-paced vs. reactive performance. Self-paced activities are those in which the individual may initiate the activity when he/she chooses while the stimulus situation remains relatively constant. Reactive activities must be initiated at the precise time dictated by a rapidly changing stimulus situation. The present study examined the relationship between outcomes of behaviorally oriented treatment for children (N = 366) and eye color. The findings were consistent with theoretical expectations: Dark-eyed children and teenagers responded better to reactive treatment programs than their light-eyed counterparts, while the reverse was true for self-paced treatment programs. Implications for research and practice were discussed.