Verbal behavior development theory and relational frame theory: reflecting upon similarities and differences

Sivaraman, Maithri, Barnes-Holmes, Dermot, Greer, R. Douglas, Fienup, Daniel M. and Roeyers, Herbert 2023. Verbal behavior development theory and relational frame theory: reflecting upon similarities and differences. Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior 119 (3) , pp. 539-553. 10.1002/jeab.836

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (454kB) | Preview

Abstract

Relational frame theory and verbal behavior development theory are two behavior-analytic perspectives on human language and cognition. Despite sharing reliance on Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior, relational frame theory and verbal behavior development theory have largely been developed independently, with initial applications in clinical psychology and education/development, respectively. The overarching goal of the current paper is to provide an overview of both theories and explore points of contact that have been highlighted by conceptual developments in both fields. Verbal behavior development theory research has identified how behavioral developmental cusps make it possible for children to learn language incidentally. Recent developments in relational frame theory have outlined the dynamic variables involved across the levels and dimensions of arbitrarily applicable relational responding, and we argue for the concept of mutually entailed orienting as an act of human cooperation that drives arbitrarily applicable relational responding. Together these theories address early language development and children's incidental learning of names. We present broad similarities between the two approaches in the types of functional analyses they generate and discuss areas for future research.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1938-3711
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	13 February 2023
Date of Acceptance:	22 January 2023
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2024 03:39
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/156903

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item