Volume 11 Num. 2 - June 2011
A Relational Frame Analysis of Defusion Interactions in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. A Preliminary and Quasi-Experimental Study with At-Risk Adolescents
Volume 11 Num. 2 - June 2011 - Pages 165-182
Authors:
Carmen Luciano , Francisco J. Ruiz , Rosa M. Vizca?no Torres , Vanessa S?nchez Mart?n , Olga Guti?rrez Mart?nez , Juan C. L?pez L?pez
Abstract:
The present study aims to analyze the interactions involved in some of the Defusion exercises that are typical of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy according to a Relational Frame Theory analysis. Two protocols were compared. Defusion I protocol was built with deictic framing trials while Defusion II protocol added hierarchical framing plus the function of regulating one?s own behavior. Fifteen adolescents (12-15 years old) with high scores in the impulsivity or in the emotional subscales of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) volunteered to participate during the three tutorial classes formally available. In a first session, after responding to questionnaires on psychological inflexibility (AFQ-S) and on problematic behaviors, the three classes followed a values-
oriented session. Two weeks later, 9 Low-risk participants (with less than 6 problematic behaviors) received either the Defusion I (n= 4) or the Defusion II (n= 5) protocols. Six High-risk participants (more than 6 problematic behaviors) received the Defusion II protocol. The comparison of both protocols with Low-risk participants showed that only Defusion II produced relevant changes that were improved at the 4-month follow-up. High-risk participants only received the Defusion II protocol and the results obtained replicated, in part, the effect obtained with Low-risk participants. The limitations of this preliminary study are indicated and further studies are emphasized.
Key words:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Frame Theory (RFT), defusion, deictic relations, hierarchical relations, self, values, functional analysis
Full Article
More articles in this volume
- [183-199] Coping with Bargains in the Ultimatum Game: The Triple Circuit Hypothesis
- [201-218] Racial Identity Development and Multicultural Counseling Competencies of White Mental Health Practitioners
- [255-267] The Effect of Work Discrimination on the Well-being of Obese People
- [269-284] Contextual Control and Generalization of Say-Do Correspondence. A Preliminary Study
- [285-296] Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Reduces Depression and Anxiety Induced by Real Stressful Setting in Non-clinical Population
- [297-306] Preventing Sick-leave for Sufferers of High Stress-load and Burnout Syndrome: A Pilot Study Combining Psychotherapy and the Flotation tank
- [307-318] Assessing the Factor Structure of the Anger Expression Inventory (ML-STAXI) in a Mexican Sample
