PhD Study : Toward an RFT-based experimental analysis of fusion and defusion at the single-participant level

Summary

Research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 1999), and mindfulness-based therapies generally, has grown exponentially in recent years. Similarly, research on Relational Frame Theory (RFT; Hayes, Barnes-Holmes, & Roche, 2001) has also grown considerably, but certainly not at the same pace as research on ACT. One consequence of these differential growth patterns is that new concepts and theoretical middle-level terms have emerged in the ACT literature (e.g., defusion) that are difficult to interpret from an RFT perspective, and are thus of limited value in conducting basic (functional) experimental analyses of human psychological suffering and distress. In recent years, some authors have questioned the increasing separation between ACT and RFT (Barnes-Holmes, Hussey, McEnteggart, Barnes-Holmes, & Foody, 2016).

Part of the motivation for raising this question was the historical narrative that RFT was typically seen as providing the basic science underpinning ACT (Hayes et al., 1999). If this relationship is no longer in place, or has at least weakened to a considerable degree, then it seems important to meet that fact head-on and either seek to re-establish the relationship or abandon it. Indeed, addressing this issue seems particularly important given recent calls to focus on process-oriented idiographic research in the field (Hofmann & Hayes, 2019). In responding to a new-found emphasis on clinical processes at the level of the individual, RFT as a behavior-analytic account of human language and cognition would appear to be well positioned to respond to this call.

The proposed MRes research project would form part of a broader research agenda that is working towards reconnecting RFT with ACT in terms of basic processes, conceptualized and analyzed empirically at the level of the individual participant.

Objectives of the research:

Historically, Relational Frame Theory (RFT) has been seen as providing the basic science foundation for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Recently, conceptual advances in RFT have suggested that the ACT–based concept of defusion may be conceptualized in terms of the relative dominance of one property of relational framing over another (i.e., the dominance of the relational properties of a stimulus, Crels, over its functional properties, Cfuncs). However, there is currently no empirical evidence to support this suggestion.

The proposed MRes research project would aim to test and develop this conceptual analysis by conducting two lab-based studies employing single-case experimental designs. The first would involve replicating a robust experimental effect involving an RFT-based methodology, known as the implicit relational assessment procedure (IRAP), that demonstrates the dominance of Cfunc over Crel properties (i.e., fusion). The second study would involve testing therapy-based defusion techniques as a means of reducing Cfunc dominance over Crel control. Overall, the proposed research program would aim to work towards a more thoroughly RFT process-based experimental analysis of the impact of defusion exercises as found in the ACT literature.

Methods to be used:

Participants will be recruited from the student population at Ulster University. Stimuli similar to those used by Bortoloti et al. (2019) will be employed. However, the proposed research will employ training and traditional (testing) IRAPs to establish combinatorially entailed relations, instead of a traditional MTS procedure (as employed by Bortoloti, et al). Participants will be exposed to four separate Training IRAPs, three to establish the baseline relations and a fourth that will test for novel derivations based on these newly established relations.

The study will involve one of the following four ACT-based defusion exercises: 1. word repetition; 2. thoughts and feelings aren’t causes; 3. having thoughts; 4. leaves on a stream (see Hayes et al., 1999 for a description of each intervention). The study will employ a multiple baseline across participants design. The ACT defusion exercise will be introduced at the relevant stages in accordance with the multiple baseline methodology. The primary outcome measure will be a substantive and clearly visible reduction in the differential trial-type effects typically observed with the IRAP following the defusion exercise.

Skills required of applicant:

The applicant should hold or expect to achieve an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or First Class Honours Degree in Psychology or a cognate field. The applicant should also have strong research methods skills and an interest in experimental and/or clinical psychology.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Funding and eligibility