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| The Words that Bind Us: Clinical Issues and RFT I |
| Monday, May 28, 2007 |
| 10:30 AM–11:50 AM |
| Edward AB |
| Area: CBM/VBC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Emily Kennison Sandoz (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a behavior analytic account of language and cognition with a number of applications to the understanding of human suffering. The studies in this symposium explore how the RFT account might contribute to the understanding of difficulties common to a number of adult clinical presentations: negative self-concept, mood disturbances, disordered eating, and gender identity problems. Implications for treatment will be discussed. |
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| Gender Identity and Implicit Attitudes towards Gender Conformity. |
| PATRICIA BACH (Illinois Institute of Technology), Lauren Rog (Illinois Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: Individuals who do not conform to societal gender norms are often viewed negatively, view themselves negatively and may suffer social and psychological consequences as a result. To assess implicit attitudes toward gender non-conformity, a sample of transgender individuals and two samples of non-transgender individuals (one heterosexual, one homosexual) were administered the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) with visual target stimuli. The stimuli consist of images of individuals of varying states of gender congruence, as well as individuals with an ambiguous gender appearance. Participants also complete a measure to assess their explicit attitudes toward gender conformity, a measure to assess acceptance and avoidance, and a measure to asses their sex role orientation. The results will be discussed in terms of how gender, sexual orientation and gender identity influence explicit and implicit attitudes towards gender conformity, and the possible role of implicit as well as explicit attitudes in stigma towards self and others. Future directions regarding implications for decreasing stigma and discrimination towards persons who do not conform with gender norms will also be discussed. |
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| Using the IRAP to Measure Differences in Association Strength during Mood Induction Procedures. |
| RACHEL FREUND (University of New Mexico) |
| Abstract: Preliminary data from this within-subjects design indicate change in association strength from baseline preferences during negative mood-induction. Reaction times were faster at baseline to positive, self-consistent (as measured at baseline) words, but during negative mood-induction procedures responses were faster to negative, self-inconsistent (as measured at baseline) words. Five of thirteen participants showed this effect in the other-referent negative mood condition, and nine of thirteen participants showed the effect in the self-referent negative mood condition. |
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| Evaluating a Behavioral Measure of Psychological Flexibility. |
| CHAD DRAKE (University of Mississippi), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: A growing body of research with the Implicit Relational Assessment
Procedure (IRAP) has demonstrated good results in detecting biased patterns of responding among various classes of verbal stimuli. The current study investigates the utility of the IRAP as a measure of responding among self-relevant and evaluative stimuli. The measure was administered in conjunction with self-report measures of self-esteem, psychological distress, and experiential avoidance to a sample of college undergraduates. The discussion of results will include an evaluation of the IRAP as a potential measure of psychological flexibility. |
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| Transformation of Functions of Pseudo Food Names. |
| EMILY KENNISON SANDOZ (University of Mississippi), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi), Chad Drake (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: A matching to sample procedure was used to establish relational discriminative functions (A less than B less than C) for three nonsense words presented as food names. Participants were then instructed that food B caused significant health problems (e.g., clogged arteries, high cholesterol, weight gain). Derived functions of food names A and C were then investigated using a multiple-choice questionnaire, Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, and a behavioral task. Implications for treatment and prevention of disordered eating will be discussed. |
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