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 our behavior, and in turn our language shapes others' behavior, in an increasingly complex web. Perspective taking skills influence how we use language, and how we make connections to others in our work and in our social circles. A comprehensive understanding of complex language is therefore critical to effective behavior analysis, not only in our immediate work, but also how we exist in the world as professionals--and as a profession.
Relational frame theory (RFT) is a psychological theory of human language. The theory argues 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. Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory outlines the essential principles of RFT, and offers practical applications and tools for a wide range of uses to help clients live better lives.
As behavior analysts working with others to affect change, words matter. Therefore, you need to understand the functions of complex language, and be able to skillfully use language as an intervention tool.
With this book, you will:
- Learn the theoretical basis of RFT.
- Explore how complex verbal repertoires affect individual behavior, introducing the influence of rule-governed behavior and private events.
- Examine relational framing in the context of groups--including supervision, mentorship, effective messaging, and pro-sociality 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, 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.
About the Author: Siri Ming, PhD, BCBA-D, is a scientist-practitioner with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. She is committed to the compassionate practice of behavior analysis to help people live meaningful, values-directed lives. Her research and clinical focus are on applications of relational frame theory (RFT) to early intervention programs for children with autism, integrating Skinnerian verbal behavior with RFT. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed research and theoretical articles on applications of RFT, as well as a practical handbook series on using RFT in early intervention programs. She teaches and acts as subject matter expert for graduate level classes in verbal behavior for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and has been an associate editor for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior journal. Her work is grounded in values of rigor, generosity, and kindness.
Julia Fiebig, PhD, BCBA-D, is assistant teaching professor at Ball State University in the applied behavior analysis program, and a partner in Applied Global Initiatives Consulting Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. A practicing behavior analyst for over twenty years, she has a range of experience working with clinical, educational, and other non-profit and private organizations. She has served on task forces for ABAI and ACBS and currently serves on the board of special interest groups and ABAI's Practice Board. A primary emphasis of her work is helping leaders and organizations cultivate values-informed, consensus-building, prosocial practices, and sustainable systems. She is dedicated to work on issues of environmental justice, and contributing to wider application and dissemination of a compassionate behavior science.
Evelyn Gould PhD, BCBA-D, is a clinical behavior analyst and licensed psychologist from Belfast, Northern Ireland, currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. Gould is a scientist-practitioner working to empower families, young people, and students to build rich and meaningful lives through evidence-based, values-driven practices. She is also committed to life-long learning, and values-driven research, training, and mentorship. She has published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on Autism, working with caregivers, ACT and Behavior Analysis and serves on a variety of task forces, committees, SIGs, and editorial boards within the ABAI, ACBS and IOCDF communities. Her work reflects personal and professional values of compassion, authenticity, social justice, cultural humility, and science.
