Association for Behavior Analysis International

This symposium examines the pivotal role of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  in promoting cognitive, social, and behavioral growth across a range of populations and contexts. Presentations in this symposium explore how utilization of RFT can promote derived relational responding and expanding linguistic and cognitive abilities, while the application of ACT establishes the necessary psychological flexibility in these relational processes profoundly impacting individuals served. First, we explore how developing these frameworks in the youngest of learners can have life-changing impacts on cognition and language and follow this trajectory throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood as prosocial behaviors are established and strengthened by application of these advanced behavior analytic principles. Furthermore, the relationship between developing an appreciation of the arts through advancing repertoires of relational responding is explored and the resulting social impacts. The implications of art education and how it may foster advanced language capabilities is discussed.  Finally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is showcased in correctional rehabilitation, demonstrating how relational processes can facilitate lasting behavioral change and reduce recidivism. Together, these talks provide valuable perspectives on how RFT and ACT can be leveraged to enhance learning, social interaction, and affect impactful behavioral change.

The target audience has an understanding of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and derived relational responding, knowledge of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychological flexibility, and experience implementing individualized assessments.

Recent research underscores the need for correctional rehabilitation programs to adopt therapeutic models that extend beyond traditional behavior-analytic interventions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as conceptualized by Hayes et al. (2019), offers a framework centered on psychological flexibility and contextual behavioral change, particularly suited for populations with high recidivism rates. In the Hawai‘i correctional system, we are implementing ACT principles through individual and group interventions aimed at promoting short-term behavioral compliance and long-term rehabilitation and reintegration. The program seeks to foster adaptive functioning during incarceration and support sustained behavioral change post-release by utilizing key ACT processes such as acceptance, defusion, and committed action. Studies such as Zarling et al. (2019) highlight the potential for ACT to reduce aggressive behaviors and recidivism, forming the foundation of our approach. Our program’s design integrates a culturally responsive framework tailored to the needs of diverse populations, including Native Hawaiian individuals, to enhance engagement and relevance. This presentation will provide an overview of the program’s theoretical basis and practical application, with a focus on how these elements can contribute to reducing recidivism and fostering meaningful, sustained behavioral transformation within correctional populations.

This talk will introduce a comprehensive set of methods aimed at building foundational cognitive and language abilities in infants and young children with autism. Topics include procedures for teaching simple and conditional discriminations, developing delay to reinforcement tolerance, understanding cause and effect, identifying preferences, and encouraging non-arbitrary stimulus relations through play. Additionally, key strategies will be presented for fostering social attention and teaching chained task performance through derived stimulus relations. A unique feature includes a structured play-based assessment, which evaluates each child’s current abilities within the contexts common to the childhood experience thus determining the appropriate level of intervention. This assessment ensures individualized planning for learners at every level, providing an essential first step for children on the path to more advanced relational training. Ideal for clinicians and educators, this talk lays the groundwork for early developmental interventions and sets the stage for greater gains in relational repertoires to impact socially significant outcomes.