| Abstract: The area of contextual behavioral science grew from the field of behavior analysis and the two remain interconnected today. Contextual behavioral science is rapidly growing into an internationally recognized approach for the prediction and influence of human behavior. The body of empirical evidence for acceptance and commitment therapy with adults has extended across an array of areas including, but not limited to, chronic pain, psychosis, anxiety, and depression. Even more recent, however, is the increasing application of this approach to the behavior of children and families. This panel intends to explore the research findings in this area with a focus on how contextual behavioral science might enhance traditional applied behavior analysis. After a brief introduction to the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of contextual behavioral science, we will focus on how an analysis of child behavior, parenting, and overall family functioning might benefit from this approach. Particular attention will be paid to how contextual behavior therapies with parents, when used in addition to applied behavior analysis for children, can benefit the family as a whole. A significant portion of time will be protected for audience questions after the initial discussion. |