ABSTRACT

A Scientific Framework for Compassion and Social Justice provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the behavior analytic principles that maintain social justice issues and highlights behavior analytic principles that promote self-awareness and compassion.

Expanding on the goals of the field of applied behavioral analysis (ABA), this collection of essays from subject-matter experts in various fields combines personal experiences, scientific explanations, and effective strategies to promote a better existence; a better world. Chapters investigate the self-imposed barriers that contribute to human suffering and offer scientific explanations as to how the environment can systematically be shaped and generate a sociocultural system that promotes harmony, equality, fulfilment, and love.

The goal of this text is to help the reader focus overwhelming feelings of confusion and upheaval into action and to make a stand for social justice while mobilizing others to take value-based actions. The lifelong benefit of these essays extends beyond ABA practitioners to readers in gender studies, diversity studies, education, public health, and other mental health fields.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

Metta-Contingencies

chapter 1|8 pages

Acceptance and Commitment Training

Acting to Support Compassion-Focused Applied Behavior Analysis

chapter 2|8 pages

Ageism

Reconsidering Aging: An Examination of Contextual Factors and the Construct of Old Age

chapter 3|7 pages

ABA: An Evolution

Rooted in Compassion: How B.F. Skinner Planted the Seeds of Social Justice for Behavior Analysis and How We Have Grown Over the Past 70 Years

chapter 4|7 pages

Behavioral Economics

In Health and in Sickness: Irrationality of the Decision-Making Process

chapter 5|7 pages

Black Lives Matter

From Theoretical Conceptualization to Function-Based Real-Life Application

chapter 6|5 pages

Blame

Not I: A Behavioral Conceptualization of Perpetrator Blame

chapter 7|6 pages

Bullying

Queen Bees, Wannabees, Bee-havior Analysts: Looking at Bullying through a Behavioral Lens

chapter 8|4 pages

Burnout & Self-Care

Filling your Vessel: Recognizing Burnout and Choosing Self-Care

chapter 9|6 pages

Compassion

The Role of Compassion in Social Justice Efforts

chapter 10|8 pages

Connectedness

Lessons in Cultural Humility, Racial Capitalism, Racial Colorblindness, Implicit Bias, and Colorism

chapter 11|10 pages

Corruption

An Integrity Violation Examined from a Behavior Analytic Perspective

chapter 12|10 pages

Cultural Responsiveness

The Development and Implications of Cultural Responsive Practices to Behavior Change Programs

chapter 13|6 pages

Culturally Aware Practice

Cultural Considerations for Delivering Effective Treatment

chapter 14|7 pages

Culture

A Cultural Behavioral Systems Science Perspective on the Struggle for Social Justice

chapter 15|4 pages

The do Better Movement

The Science of Togetherness

chapter 16|5 pages

Equitable Education

The Role of Behavior Analysts in Providing Equitable Services for Clients in Public Schools

chapter 17|6 pages

Feminism

We Can Shatter Glass: An Optimistic Reminder to Behavior-Analytic Feminists

chapter 18|6 pages

Gendered Language

Moving toward a Compassionate Gender Expansive Society

chapter 19|5 pages

Global Impact

Standing for Science Takes a Village – An International One

chapter 20|7 pages

Higher Education

Evidence-Based Teaching in Culturally Responsive Higher Education

chapter 21|6 pages

Humanity of ABA

ABA as a Humane Approach

chapter 22|5 pages

Inclusivity

“We've Tried Nothing and We're All out of Ideas!”: Disruptive Behavior and Faith-based Congregations

chapter 23|8 pages

Income Inequality

Understanding the Needs of Economically Disadvantaged Children and Families

chapter 24|9 pages

Indigenous Rights

Finding the Trail: Indigenous Considerations for Decolonizing Research and Clinical Work

chapter 25|6 pages

Islamophobia

Behavior Analysis and Islamophobia: A Behaviorist Point of View

chapter 26|6 pages

Criminal Justice

The Implications of Dissemination of Applied Behavior Analysis in the Criminal Justice System

chapter 27|7 pages

LGBTQ2IA

Supporting Ontogenic and Cultural Compassion Building for the LGBTQ2IA Community

chapter 28|5 pages

Microaggressions

Addressing Microaggressions in the Workplace Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

chapter 29|5 pages

Mindfulness

Skills and Lessons Learned during the 2020 Pandemic: A Behavior Analytic View of Honing Mindfulness, Awareness, and Kindness

chapter 30|7 pages

Organizational Behavior Management

Promoting a Compassionate Culture within an Organization

chapter 31|8 pages

Nepantla

Finding Spirit: The Pedagogy of Nepantla

chapter 32|5 pages

Neurodiversity & Ableism

From Accountant to Advocate: Ableism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace

chapter 33|8 pages

Perspective Taking

A Relational Frame Approach to Understanding Perspective-Taking in Compassion and Social Justice

chapter 34|9 pages

Prejudice and Oppression

Addressing Societal Issues of Prejudice and Oppression: How Can Behavior Analysis Help?

chapter 35|5 pages

Privilege

Read, Reflect, Resist: Deconstructing Privilege

chapter 36|8 pages

Racism

Applying Behavior Analysis to Dismantle Racism: From Ideas to Action

chapter 37|5 pages

Rural Access

Rural Access to Ethical and Appropriate Behavior Analytic Treatment in Schools

chapter 38|9 pages

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment in the Modern Era

chapter 39|7 pages

Social Categorization & Stereotypes

Stop Judging a Person by Their Cover: How Stereotypes Limit Our Connection with Others

chapter 40|6 pages

Social Justice

An Overdue and Urgent Topic for Behavior Analysis

chapter 41|11 pages

Social Media

A Global Social Tool or Dilemma?

chapter 42|6 pages

Stigma

Stigma Through a Behavioral Lens: A Kenyan Perspective

chapter 43|6 pages

Stimulus Equivalence

A Derived Relational Account of Cultural Biases

chapter 44|5 pages

Urban Planning

Urban Planning through a Behavior Analytic Lens

chapter 45|7 pages

Wellness

Wellness and the Use of Acceptance Commitment Training in the Workplace

chapter 46|6 pages

White Saviorism

Lessons Learned and Continued Reflections

chapter |11 pages

Conclusion

Designing Organizations with Love: An ACT Prosocial Framework for Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion

chapter |2 pages

Final Thoughts