scholarly journals Relating is an Operant: A Fly Over of 35 Years of RFT Research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven C. Hayes ◽  
Stu Law ◽  
Kian Assemi ◽  
Neal Falletta-Cowden ◽  
Melia Shamblin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Relational Learning ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Frame Theory ◽  
Paper Briefly ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Relational Responding ◽  
Relational Frame ◽  
Type Of Behavior

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is the simplest form of operant theory since it claims nothing more than a particular type of behavior, arbitrarily applicable derived relational responding, is an operant. While the theory is simple, its implications are not, and adoption has been slow until recently. RFT was first formally described in 1985 and in the 35 years since, hundreds of studies have been conducted on relational learning from an operant point of view. The present paper briefly summarizes that history and examines some of its key claims. So far, the empirical program delineated by RFT has held up remarkably well. Future directions are delineated that will enable a more comprehensive evaluation of the importance of the RFT research program, and a more thorough exploration of its profound implications.

scholarly journals The Moderating Impact of Distal Regularities on the Effect of Stimulus Pairings

2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Hughes ◽  
Jan De Houwer ◽  
Dermot Barnes-Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Frame Theory ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Relational Responding ◽  
Relational Frame ◽  
Simple Question ◽  
Arbitrarily Applicable Relational Responding ◽  
Current Article ◽  
Contextual Behavioral Science

Abstract. Throughout much of the past century psychologists have focused their attention on a seemingly simple question: How do people come to like or dislike stimuli in the environment? Evaluative Conditioning (EC) – a change in liking due to the pairing of stimuli – has been offered as one avenue through which novel preferences may be formed and existing ones altered. In the current article, we offer a new look at EC from the perspective of Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) and, more specifically, Relational Frame Theory (RFT). We briefly review the EC literature, introduce Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS), Relational Frame Theory (RFT), and then describe a behavioral phenomenon known as arbitrarily applicable relational responding (AARR). Afterwards, we examine the relationship between EC and AARR. This novel perspective offers ways to organize existing as well as predict new EC effects, contributes to debates on “genuine” EC, human versus nonhuman EC, and further facilitates the development and refinement of cognitive theories of EC.

scholarly journals Back to the future with an up-dated version of RFT: More field than frame?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dermot Barnes-Holmes ◽  
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes ◽  
Ciara McEnteggart ◽  
Colin Harte
Keyword(s):  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Frame Theory ◽  
Unit Of Analysis ◽  
Relational Responding ◽  
Transformation Of Functions ◽  
Behavioral Dynamics ◽  
Relational Frame ◽  
Arbitrarily Applicable Relational Responding ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Psychological Events

The current chapter presents an overview of a line of research that focuses on the behavioral dynamics of arbitrarily applicable relational responding (AARRing), and the implications of this research for the on-going development of relational frame theory (RFT) itself. Specifically, the integration of two recent conceptual developments within RFT are described. The first of these is the multi-dimensional, multi-level (MDML) framework and the second is the differential arbitrarily applicable relational responding effects (DAARRE) model. Integrating the MDML framework and the DAARRE model emphasizes the transformation of functions within the MDML, thus yielding a hyper-dimensional, multi-level (HDML) framework for analyzing the behavioral dynamics of AARRing. The HDML generates a new conceptual unit of analysis for RFT in which relating, orienting, and evoking (ROEing) are seen as involved in virtually all psychological events for verbally-able humans. Some of the implications of the ROE as a unit of analysis for RFT are explored, including the idea that it may be useful to conceptualize the dynamics of AARRing as involving a field of verbal interactants.

A Review of Relational Frame Theory Research Into Deictic Relational Responding

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria M. Montoya-Rodríguez ◽  
Francisco J. Molina ◽  
Louise McHugh
Keyword(s):  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Frame Theory ◽  
Relational Responding ◽  
Relational Frame ◽  
Deictic Relational Responding ◽  
Theory Research

A Relational Frame Theory Analysis of Coercive Family Process

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa W. Coyne ◽  
Darin Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Frame Theory ◽  
Family Process ◽  
Theory Analysis ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Systemic Intervention ◽  
Relational Frame ◽  
Language And Cognition ◽  
Symbolic Processes

This chapter provides a brief overview of direct conditioning models of coercive family process, and augments those accounts by application of relational frame theory and rule-governed behavior. Relational frame theory is a behavior analytic approach to symbolic processes—language and cognition—that extends Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. It provides an empirical account of indirect conditioning, and as such, gives us a way to conceptualize coercive family process—and interventions—in a more fine-grained and comprehensive way that allows us to influence this process with greater precision, scope, and depth. In this chapter, we offer a detailed description of indirect conditioning processes that may be involved in the development and maintenance of family processes, as well as some future directions for a systemic intervention to reduce coercion.

scholarly journals Cognitive defusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Ruiz ◽  
Bárbara Gil-Luciano ◽  
Miguel A. Segura-Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Frame Theory ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Cognitive Fusion ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Cognitive Defusion ◽  
Research Survey ◽  
Clinical Session ◽  
Relational Frame

This chapter reviews the conceptualization and empirical evidence of the midlevel process called cognitivedefusion. Firstly, we present examples of cognitive fusion and cognitive defusion definitions offered inacceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) manuals, discuss their relationships with other ACT midlevelprocesses, and offer a relational frame theory (RFT) conceptualization of these processes. Secondly, wedescribe the type of cognitive defusion exercises and discuss the basic processes involved in them. Thirdly,we review the measurement of cognitive (de)fusion in the form of self-report instruments, behavioralmeasures, and the assessment in the clinical session. Fourthly, we present a review of the research oncognitive (de)fusion separated in laboratory research, survey research, and the analysis of processes ofchange in clinical trials. Lastly, we discuss some challenges and future directions in conceptualizing andresearching cognitive (de)fusion.

scholarly journals Healthy selfing: Theoretically optimal environments for the development of tacting and deictic relational responding

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Stapleton ◽  
Louise McHugh
Keyword(s):  
Relational Frame Theory ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Frame Theory ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Private Events ◽  
Relational Responding ◽  
Relational Frame ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Deictic Relational Responding

  From a relational frame theory perspective, our sense of self is a by-product of language that arises from transformation of stimulus functions through relational framing of our own responding. In this way, selfing is an important action that allows us to clarify our needs, wants, and what matters to us. Tacting and deictic relational responding are two processes that are instrumental to the development of a healthy selfing repertoire. This paper provides an overview of tacting and deictic relational responding in accordance with relational frame theory in addition to features of an optimal environment for shaping these processes. In terms of tacting, it is important to consider learning environment sensitivity, consequence availability, the individual’s experience, and to facilitate rich discussions of private events. In terms of deictic relational responding, it is important to provide frequent interactions that contain multiple exemplars of distinctions between self and others in addition to rich discussions of private events while also tailoring to the individual when drawing from training protocols. We conclude with a brief overview of the current evidence base regarding the identified features.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document