ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors reflect on behavioural analysis and its relevance for clinicians, as well as the world of relational frame theory (RFT), since this is of fundamental relevance to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and can add greatly to our understanding of human language and behaviour. The consequence of an operant (an action or a behaviour or a ‘response’) is associated with (‘contingent’ upon) the action, so that the operant (behaviour) is strengthened. Behaviours such as self-harm, binge-eating, substance abuse, checking and rituals often serve the function of changing a person’s internal aversive state into something less aversive. Negative reinforcement can also be used to strengthen a behaviour, as when a client completes homework in order to avoid disappointing us. In RFT terms, the authors can change derived relations by providing the client with opportunities to learn new things using exposure, behavioural experiments, metaphors, increasing willingness and other ACT techniques.
