Articles Linking RFT and ACT
There is an extensive list of excellent articles that describe RFT in simple terms, and links the principles directly to ACT processes. We highly recommend reading some of these to further your understanding RFT and it's relation to ACT.
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Relational Frame Theory: An Overview of the Controversy
Gross, A. C., & Fox, E. J. (2009). Relational frame theory: An overview of the controversy. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 25, 87-98.
Although Skinner’s Verbal Behavior (1957) was published over 50 years ago, behavior-analytic research on human language and cognition has been slow to develop. In recent years, a new behavioral approach to language known as relational frame theory (RFT) has generated considerable attention, research, and debate. The controversy surrounding RFT can be difficult to fully appreciate, partly because of the complexity of the theory itself and partly because the debate has spanned several years and several journals. The current paper aims to provide a concise overview of RFT and a summary of key points of debate and controversy.
Relational Frame Theory: An Overview of the Controversy
Gross, A. C., & Fox, E. J. (2009). Relational frame theory: An overview of the controversy. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 25, 87-98.
Although Skinner’s Verbal Behavior (1957) was published over 50 years ago, behavior-analytic research on human language and cognition has been slow to develop. In recent years, a new behavioral approach to language known as relational frame theory (RFT) has generated considerable attention, research, and debate. The controversy surrounding RFT can be difficult to fully appreciate, partly because of the complexity of the theory itself and partly because the debate has spanned several years and several journals. The current paper aims to provide a concise overview of RFT and a summary of key points of debate and controversy.
About RFT
This is where you can read about the basic principles in Relational Frame Theory and learn about its advantages over other theories of language and cognition.
Suggested Readings & Helpful Presentations
There are numerous resources for further reading. These are simply a few suggestions and you may find many others helpful. We highly recommend using this list as a starting point from which to begin your journey.
Suggested Readings & Helpful Presentations
There are numerous resources for further reading. These are simply a few suggestions and you may find many others helpful. We highly recommend using this list as a starting point from which to begin your journey.
RFT/Behavior Analysis Books
- Fryling, M., Rehfeldt, R. A., Tarbox, J., & Hayes, L. J. (Eds.). (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis of Language and Cognition: Core Concepts and Principles for Practitioners. New Harbinger Publications.
- Villatte, M., Villatte, J. L., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). Mastering the clinical conversation: Language as intervention. New York: The Guilford Press.
Resources for Learning RFT
We recommend several ways to enhance your understanding of RFT. A great place to start is with the Learning RFT: An introduction to relational frame theory and its clinical applications but there are many more.
Research: Basic & Applied
The core of the contextual behavioral science (CBS) model of science is work that is inherently translational in nature; basic research informing interventions and vice versa.
Therefore RFT researchers are comprised of basic scientists who possess an interest in RFT’s application to human behavior, or are also clinicians or applied behavior analysts who are interested in understanding clinically-relevant phenomena. As such, RFT principles and processes have been useful for influencing and optimizing performance and functioning across a broad range of human phenomena.
A relational frame theory account of empathy
Vilardaga, R. (2009). A relational frame theory account of empathy. The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 5, 178-184.