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

Author(s):  
Dermot Barnes-Holmes ◽  
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes ◽  
Ciara McEnteggart ◽  
Colin Harte

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.

Author(s):  
Sean Hughes ◽  
Jan De Houwer ◽  
Dermot Barnes-Holmes

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.


Author(s):  
Steven C. Hayes ◽  
Stu Law ◽  
Kian Assemi ◽  
Neal Falletta-Cowden ◽  
Melia Shamblin ◽  
...  

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria M. Montoya-Rodríguez ◽  
Francisco J. Molina ◽  
Louise McHugh

Author(s):  
Alison Stapleton ◽  
Louise McHugh

  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.


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