Top 10 RFT Research Articles (Spring, 2023)
TOP 10 RFT RESEARCH ARTICLES
Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory: Mastering the foundations of complex language in our work and lives as behavior analysts
Ming, S., Gould, E., & Fiebig, J. (2023). Understanding and Applying RFT: Complex language as the foundation of our work as behavior analysts. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger
A comprehensive treatise on how to understand complex language, and use language effectively as a behavior analyst.
Language changes everything. From infancy through adulthood, language shapes how we live our lives and interact with other people, in increasingly complex ways. Language also shapes how we exist in the world as professionals—and how we operate as a profession. As behavior analysts working with others to effect change, words matter.
A comprehensive understanding of complex language is therefore critical to practicing effectively as a behavior analyst. Understanding the functions of complex language, allows us to skillfully use language as an intervention tool.
Relational frame theory (RFT) is a behavior analytic theory of human language. RFT suggests that the building block of human language and higher cognition is relating—in other words, the human ability to create links between one thing and another using words. Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory outlines the essential principles of RFT, and offers practical applications and tools to help clients live better lives and to establish the conditions necessary for all of us to thrive. With a central focus on establishing psychological flexibility, prosociality, and cooperative contexts for change, at all levels of analysis—from the self to overarching systems and cultures—in this book, you will:
- Learn the theoretical basis of RFT, including how relational operants are learned, from their roots in early social interactions to the complex relating of relations and relational networks seen in analogical and metaphorical reasoning.
- Explore how complex verbal repertoires affect individual behavior, introducing the development of the self and the influence of rule-governed behavior and private events.
- Examine relational framing in the context of groups—including the speaking and listening skills needed for supervision, mentorship, effective messaging, and prosociality within and between organizational systems.
- Discover the implications of applying a behavior analytic understanding of complex language to a variety of settings, including education, mental health, and business.
- Learn how RFT can be applied to issues of diversity and inclusion, and global sustainability.
Finally, you’ll find a thorough discussion of how behavior analysts can use the principles outlined in this book to extend the reach of the field into a range of socially significant and critical areas for behavior change.
Steven C. Hayes interviewed on ACT, RFT, PBT, and CBS
In this video Prof. Steven C. Hayes PhD is interviewed by Dr. Emanuele Rossi PhD on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Process-Based CBT, and Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS). Interview recorded on July 22, 2022.
Part 1
RFT SIG
Relational Frame Theory (RFT) Special Interest Group
McKeel, A. N., & Dixon, M. R. (2014). Furthering a behavior analytic account of self-control using relational frame theory. Behavioral Development Bulletin, 19(2), 111-118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0100581
McKeel, A. N., & Dixon, M. R. (2014). Furthering a behavior analytic account of self-control using relational frame theory. Behavioral Development Bulletin, 19(2), 111-118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0100581
The understanding of self-control from a behavior analytic perspective has developed over the past several decades. Researchers have refined the concept of self-control and developed empirical interventions to support I the utilization of self-control training in translational and applied settings. This paper describes self-control training, how interventions have been implemented, and suggestions for future research. Future directions include implementing self-control training procedures from a Relational Frame Theory perspective.
Relational Frame Theory Resources
Welcome to the LAMIC Resource page for RFT. This page is aimed at practitioners from Low-and-Middle-Income-Countries (LAMIC) who are new to Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and would like to learn more. It is our hope that this page supports your learning journey and makes the content more accessible for you.
RFT Measures
RFT Measures of Acceptance and Experiential Avoidance
- Levin, M.E., Haeger, J. & Smith, G.S. Examining the Role of Implicit Emotional Judgments in Social Anxiety and Experiential Avoidance. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 39, 264–278 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-016-9583-5
- Drake, C.E., Timko, C.A. & Luoma, J.B. Exploring an Implicit Measure of Acceptance and Experiential Avoidance of Anxiety. Psychol Rec 66, 463–475 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40732-016-0186-z
RFT Measures of Clinical Issues
Let’s not forget about RFT…
The very foundations in contextual behavioral sciences (like action and commitment therapy) is based in relational frame theory (RFT) which was created by Steven Hayes (now associated with University of Neveda – Reno) and Dermot Barnes-Holmes (associated with National University of Ireland – Maynooth). This link:
http://ironshrink.com/2007/12/what-is-relational-frame-theory-part-one/
RFT Videos
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ACBS World Conference Videos
Learning RFT: An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory and Its Clinical Application
Törneke, N. (2019). Learning RFT: An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory and Its Clinical Application (S. Lee, Trans.). Korea: Hakjisa.
Relational frame theory, or RFT, is the little-understood behavioral theory behind a recent development in modern psychology: the shift from the cognitive paradigm underpinning cognitive behavioral therapy to a new understanding of language and cognition. Learning RFT presents a basic yet comprehensive introduction to this fascinating theory, which forms the basis of acceptance and commitment therapy. The book also offers practical guidance for directly applying it in clinical work.
In the book, author Niklas Törneke presents the building blocks of RFT: language as a particular kind of relating, derived stimulus relations, and transformation of stimulus functions. He then shows how these concepts are essential to understanding acceptance and commitment therapy and other therapeutic models. Learning RFT shows how to use experiential exercises and metaphors in psychological treatment and explains how they can help your clients. This book belongs on the bookshelves of psychologists, psychotherapists, students, and others seeking to deepen their understanding of psychological treatment from a behavioral perspective.