Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory : Mastering the Foundations of Complex Language in Our Work and Lives as Behavior Analysts

A comprehensive treatise on how to understand complex language, and use language effectively as a behavior analyst. Language changes everything. From infancy through adulthood, language shapes how we live our lives and interact with other people, in increasingly complex ways. Language also shapes how we exist in the world as professionals—and how we operate as a profession. As behavior analysts working with others to effect change, words matter. A comprehensive understanding of complex language is therefore critical to practicing effectively as a behavior analyst. Understanding the functions of complex language, allows us to skillfully use language as an intervention tool. Relational frame theory (RFT) is a behavior analytic theory of human language. RFT suggests that the building block of human language and higher cognition is relating —in other words, the human ability to create links between one thing and another using words. Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory outlines the essential principles of RFT, and offers practical applications and tools to help clients live better lives and to establish the conditions necessary for all of us to thrive. With a central focus on establishing psychological flexibility, prosociality, and cooperative contexts for change, at all levels of analysis—from the self to overarching systems and cultures—in this book, you will: Learn the theoretical basis of RFT , including how relational operants are learned , from their roots in early social interactions to the complex relating of relations and relational networks seen in analogical and metaphorical reasoning. Explore how complex verbal repertoires affect individual behavior , introducing the development of the self and the influence of rule-governed behavior and private events. Examine relational framing in the context of groups —including the speaking and listening skills needed for supervision, mentorship, effective messaging, and prosociality within and between organizational systems. Discover the implications of applying a behavior analytic understanding of complex language to a variety of settings , including education, mental health, and business. Learn how RFT can be applied to issues of diversity and inclusion , and global sustainability . Finally, you’ll find a thorough discussion of how behavior analysts can use the principles outlined in this book to extend the reach of the field into a range of socially significant and critical areas for behavior change. "A comprehensive treatise on how to understand complex language, and use language effectively as a behavior analyst.Language changes everything. From infancy through adulthood, language shapes how we live our lives and interact with other people, in increasingly complex ways. Language also shapes how we exist in the world as professionals-and how we operate as a profession. As behavior analysts working with others to effect change, words matter.A comprehensive understanding of complex language is therefore critical to practicing effectively as a behavior analyst. Understanding the functions of complex language, allows us to skillfully use language as an intervention tool.Relational frame theory (RFT) is a behavior analytic theory of human language. RFT suggests that the building block of human language and higher cognition is relating-in other words, the human ability to create links between one thing and another using words. Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory outlines the essential principles of RFT, and offers practical applications and tools to help clients live better lives and to establish the conditions necessary for all of us to thrive. With a central focus on establishing psychological flexibility, prosociality, and cooperative contexts for change, at all levels of analysis-from the self to overarching systems and cultures-in this book, you will:Learn the theoretical basis of RFT, including how relational operants are learned, from their roots in early social interactions to the complex relating of relations and relational networks seen in analogical and metaphorical reasoning.Explore how complex verbal repertoires affect individual behavior, introducing the development of the self and the influence of rule-governed behavior and private events.Examine relational framing in the context of groups-including the speaking and listening skills needed for supervision, mentorship, effective messaging, and prosociality within and between organizational systems.Discover the implications of applying a behavior analytic understanding of complex language to a variety of settings, including education, mental health, and business.Learn how RFT can be applied to issues of diversity and inclusion, and global sustainability.Finally, you'll find a thorough discussion of how behavior analysts can use the principles outlined in this book to extend the reach of the field into a range of socially significant and critical areas for behavior change"-- Provided by publisher Prologue 8 Chapter 1. Frame by Frame 10 Part 1: Relational Frames as the Building Blocks of Complex Human Behavior 30 Chapter 2 31 A Functional Analysis of Language 31 Chapter 3 55 Foundations of Early Relational Framing 55 Chapter 4 71 Increasing Complexity: New Relations and Relations Between Relations 71 Chapter 5 88 Complex Language in the Development of Perspective-Taking and a Sense of Self 88 Part 2: And Then There Were Rules ... 108 Chapter 6. Rule-Governed Behavior 109 Chapter 7. Values 126 Chapter 8. Rule-Governance, Selfing, and Problematic Patterns of Behavior 145 Part 3: Playing Well with Others 170 Chapter 9. Applying RFT to Create Cooperative Contexts for Behavior Change 171 Chapter 10. Listening 187 Chapter 11. Speaking 202 Chapter 12. Designing for Prosociality 218 Part 4: Being Human 246 Chapter 13. Science and Human Behavior 247 Chapter 14. Global Sustainability 267 Chapter 15. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 284 Epilogue 314 References 316 Index 342 "Language changes everything. Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory is a comprehensive treatise on how to understand complex language, and use language effectively as a behavior analyst. With this professional guide, readers will find a clear explanation of RFT, and discover practical applications and tools for a wide range of uses to help clients live better lives"-- Provided by publisher