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| Social Categorization and Verbal Relations II |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 1:30 PM–2:50 PM |
| Republic A |
| Area: VBC/EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Kim Zlomke (LSU Pediatric Clinical Psychology) |
| Abstract: . |
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| Creating Terrorists with the Greatest of Ease: A Relational Frame Analysis of the Development of Prejudice |
| KIM ZLOMKE (Louisiana State University), Mark R. Dixon (Southern Illinois University), Ruth Anne Rehfeldt (Southern Illinois University), Pamela A. Tibbetts (Southern Illinois University) |
| Abstract: Prejudice can be viewed as feelings or opinions created about someone or something that does not come from direct experience with the target. In a sense it is overgeneralization. Participation in verbal networks maintains theses prejudicial views and allows them to transfer to other targets . Social psychologists have developed large-scale theories regarding the possession of hypothetical constructs such as racial prejudices, stereotypes and biases towards unfamiliar groups, yet these theories fail to account for how such “stereotypes” arise or how, if they can be, overcome. If behavioral researchers could instead conceptualize prejudice or stereotypes as simple stimulus classes, then perhaps experimental investigations of class development, maintenance, and disruption could account for an otherwise unmeasurable psychological construct. Behavior analytic investigations may yield promise. The behavioral processes underlying the establishment and extension of such stereotypes can be explained by Relational Frame Theory (RFT), a behavior analytic model of language and complex behavior. This presentation will discuss multiple studies conducted using Visual Basic preparations to investigate the development and dismantling of relational frames including images and phrases related to middle eastern prejudice stemming from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Implications for a relational frame interpretation of prejudice will be discussed. |
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| Stigmatizing Body-images and Relational conditioning Processes |
| JONATHAN WEINSTEIN (University of Mississippi), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: A developing body literature is beginning to discuss the presence and impact of negative stereotypes on obese women and men. The proposed study will examine this bias in the context of Relational Frame Theory and will specifically address the development of undesirable verbal stimulus classes with images of obesity. A proposal for evaluating the usefulness of a relational conditioning model of negative stereotypes with obesity will be discussed as well as suggestions for future research in this area. |
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| ACT Workshops for Parents of Children Diagnosed with Autism |
| JOHN TANNER BLACKLEDGE (University of Nevada), Steven C. Hayes (University of Nevada) |
| Abstract: Raising a child diagnosed with autism can be an extremely challenging task, and research literature indicates that parents of autistic children experience markedly more distress than parents of normally developing children, and even more than parents of children diagnosed with other developmental disabilities. The study presented here evaluates the degree to which ACT, delivered in a weekend workshop format, may alleviate this distress. The presentation will include a brief discussion of why this specific population may benefit from treatment, empirical outcomes from the study, and a presentation of the rationale behind choosing the workshop format and altering ACT to fit this format. Preliminary outcome data from this study has indicated significant reductions in general distress between pre-and post-treatment (as measured by the Global Severity Index subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory, which decreased from .62 to .36 (p<.003); as also measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12 (which decreased from 30.32 to 28.21 (P<.034)). Modest reductions in depression (from pre-treatment levels of 10.84 to post-treatment levels of 8.47 (P<.04, as measured by the BDI-II) were also demonstrated. |
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| ACT, Felt Stigma, and Substance Use Disorders: Taking Shame with you on the Journey |
| BARBARA S. KOHLENBERG (University of Nevada School of Medicine), Jason Brian Luoma (University of Nevada, Reno), Steven C. Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno), Richard Bissett (University of Nevada, Reno), Alyssa Rye (University of Nevada, Reno), Kara Bunting (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: Approaches to treating felt stigma have traditionally involved correcting shameful beliefs and offering alternative, more hopeful beliefs. An ACT approach to felt stigma involves developing skills such that one can proceed in a valued direction, with shameful feelings and thoughts undiminished, yet with these thoughts and feelings serving less of an obstructive function. We will discuss our developing treatment manual, for use with individuals in treatment for substance use disorders. We will also present pilot data on the efficacy of this treatment approach with individuals in treatment for substance use disorders. |
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