Luciano, C., Ruiz, F. J., Vizcaíno-Torres, R. M., Sánchez-Martín, V., Gutiérrez-Martínez, O., & López-López, J. C. (2011). A relational frame analysis of defusion interactions in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. A preliminary and quasi-experimental study with at-risk adolescents. International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, 11, 165-182.
The present study aims to analyze the interactions involved in some of the Defusion exercises that are typical of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy according to a Relational Frame Theory analysis. Two protocols were compared. Defusion I protocol was built with deictic framing trials while Defusion II protocol added hierarchical framing plus the function of regulating one’s own behavior. Fifteen adolescents (12-15 years old) with high scores in the impulsivity or in the emotional subscales of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) volunteered to participate during the three tutorial classes formally available. In a first session, after responding to questionnaires on psychological inflexibility (AFQ-S) and on problematic behaviors, the three classes followed a values-oriented session. Two weeks later, 9 Low-risk participants (with less than 6 problematic behaviors) received either the Defusion I (n= 4) or the Defusion II (n= 5) protocols. Six High-risk participants (more than 6 problematic behaviors) received the Defusion II protocol. The comparison of both protocols with Low-risk participants showed that only Defusion II produced relevant changes that were improved at the 4-month follow-up. High-risk participants only received the Defusion II protocol and the results obtained replicated, in part, the effect obtained with Low-risk participants. The limitations of this preliminary study are indicated and further studies are emphasized.