2020 #4 Newsletter (April)

ACBS World Conference Update

In regards to the ACBS World Conference scheduled for this July, we would like to provide a brief update.

Over the past few weeks, the ACBS team has been researching options to best support science, dissemination and training, while remaining safe during this global health pandemic. We have considered ways in which to deliver pre-recorded sessions digitally, and our capacity to hold an entirely online conference, as it remains unclear whether or not we will be able to have an in-person event.

Regardless of how global events progress, we are pleased to announce that ACBS will host a robust online conference this July, with live and recorded access available afterwards. We will continue to monitor growing concerns, traveling capabilities, and contractual obligations. We will send complete details, including registration and programming information, as soon as possible.

Wishing you all health and safety,
ACBS Board of Directors

New Comparative Psychology SIG

We are pleased to announce the newest Special Interest Group! The study of behavior across human and nonhuman animals (Comparative Psychology) allows for looking at behaviors in ways that no other field offers. The Comparative Psychology SIG seeks to advance understanding of what comparative psychology offers for understanding behaviors from a contextual perspective. Click here to join the SIG.

Measuring occurrences of self and other discriminations in relation to mental health in adolescent textual responses

In JCBS Vol. 15, Orla Moran and Louise McHugh state that according to RFT there are three distinct self-discriminations, as well as three corresponding senses of other. The study investigates these self and other discriminations in adolescents. The findings indicate that different patterns of relating to the self and others were associated with better mental health. (ACBS members can read JCBS articles for free.)

Student Spotlight Award

It is our pleasure to introduce the most recent Student Spotlight Award recipient! This month's featured student is Clarissa Ong, a graduate student at Utah State University (USA). The Student Spotlight Program highlights students who are working in the CBS community. The spotlighted students will receive a discount off the ACBS World Conference student registration fee. The application deadline is May 10.

Founding Donors seed future ACBS Foundation Grants – Don’t miss your chance to join them!

The ACBS Foundation is still in its infancy. Your donations will help support the Foundation's first open call for grant proposals. All donors who contribute through June 2020 will be recognized in the Foundation’s inaugural annual report. There is still time to add your name to our list of Founding Donors. Please consider donating to the ACBS Foundation today.

New Filter Available in the ACT Therapist Directory: Online/Teletherapy

The Find an ACT Therapist Directory has a new filter for Online/Teletherapy. If you are an ACT therapist who offers Online/Teletherapy, then we want that information about you listed in the directory! To modify your settings: login to your ACBS Account; click on the "Edit" tab; click on the "Contact Information" tab; answer "Yes" to the Online/Teletherapy Available question; scroll to the bottom; and click save.

ACBS Updates and Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ACBS has a webpage to help keep our members informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webpage contains messages from the ACBS Board of Directors, updates about the ACBS World Conference, a list of therapy resources for COVID-19, video/teleconferencing options for therapists who are now working remotely, and other helpful information. We will continue to update this webpage regularly.