Nathan H. Azrin, a world-renowned behavioral psychologist and Professor Emeritus at Nova Southeastern University, died of complications from cancer at Broward Health North hospital in Pompano Beach on Friday. He was 82.

Mr. Azrin was born in Boston on Nov. 26, 1930. He trained at Harvard with famous behavioral scientist B.F. Skinner and was "one of the most cited psychologists in the world," said Karen Grosby, M. Ed., Dean of NSU's Center for Psychological Studies. "[He had] driven the reputation of the department."

Mr. Azrin began his career as a research psychologist in the U.S. Army. He was the founder and editor of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and edited 16 other leading journals. He published more than 100 studies in the field of learning and psychological treatment, receiving numerous awards and honors.

"In the last five years or so he's gotten at least six and maybe a dozen lifetime achievement awards," son Richard Azrin said.

Mr. Azrin published both academic books and books for parents, including "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day." The guide has sold millions of copies and has been translated into in dozens of languages.

Mr. Azrin is also credited with inventing "time out," the popular alternative to spanking. But it is his work with the "untrainables" — the severely mentally handicapped — upon which a large part of his legacy rests. The techniques he pioneered nearly half a century ago remain in widespread use today, Grosby said.

"Behind all my father's accomplishments was his intense desire to make the world a better place," David Azrin said. "He wanted to apply behavioral principles to every aspect of people's lives to make people's lives better."

Mr. Azrin developed "shaping" or "successive approximation" strategies to get the "untrainables" to perform at higher levels than previously thought possible. His methods involve identifying behavioral tasks, beginning with their smallest components, then giving the patients small, frequent rewards to encourage a succession of desired behaviors, Grosby said.

Beyond a lifelong passion for psychology, Mr. Azrin loved to dance.

"He was very well known in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where they have outdoor dancing on Friday and Saturday nights," David Azrin said. "My father would be dancing and he would be so happy and my mother would have a big smile on her face and everyone would watch them and take pictures."

The cancer became aggressive in 2007 but throughout several surgeries he never complained.

"He would say that the most important thing was to keep battling the cancer," David Azrin said.

Mr. Azrin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Victoria Azrin-Besale, sons Michael, David, Richard and daughter Rachel.

Funeral services were Sunday.

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