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| Relational Framing and Rape: IRAP and Matching-to-Sample Procedures |
| Monday, May 28, 2007 |
| 10:30 AM–11:50 AM |
| Del Mar AB |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Nicole Hernandez (University of North Texas) |
| Discussant: Daniel J. Moran (Trinity Services) |
| Abstract: Literature from which Relational Frame Theory (RFT) was conceived utilized the matching-to-sample (MTS) procedure to train relations between stimuli and test for the derivation of additional relationships. MTS procedures provide solid measures of stimulus equivalence, but not other relational frames. Therefore, the IRAP was developed. The IRAP is the result of making RFT-consistent adjustments to the Implicit Associations Test. IRAP research has been successful at answering questions regarding the existence of certain frames. More research on pre-existing frames as well as the formation process is needed. Therefore, this symposium includes presentations on the use of IRAP and MTS procedures to examine the relationship between relational framing and rape-related content. The first presentation will present results on the relationship between reported sexual attitudes, sexual history, and matching to sample response to neutral symbols and a stimulus which could be interpreted as rape-related. The second presentation will discuss the relationship between positive and negative words as compared to rape and mutual sex stimuli using the IRAP. The third presentation in this symposium will explore the differences between these procedures, as well as the practical and technical issues associated with their use. |
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| Rape Fantasy, Relational Frame Theory, and Theoretical Implications for Treatment. |
| JESSICA A. MADRIGAL-BAUGUSS (University of North Texas), Jennifer Bivona (University of North Texas), Laura Howe-Martin (University of North Texas), Amy Murrell (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: Research indicates that 30 to 50% of women report having erotic fantasies of being the victim of sexual aggression. It is unclear why this fantasy is common, when rape is typically reported to be an aversive outcome. In the present study, an RFT-guided approach was used to better understand how rape comes to be related to seemingly unrelated and more positive (neutral) stimuli. The relationship between matching-to-sample computer response and reported sexual attitudes and history was examined. It was predicted that women who reported a history of sexual abuse and/or a high level of sex guilt would relate a sexual stimulus with symbols more efficiently than women who do not have a history of abuse or guilt. Initial data did not support that hypothesis, although a larger sample is currently being analyzed. Results did indicate significant differences in transfer of stimulus function. Originally neutral symbols, after being matched to an ambiguous stimulus that could be interpreted as rape-related, were rated negatively by abuse survivors but more positively by the other women. This could mean that all stimulus events even remotely related to sexual content would be aversive, and treatment should be tailored to address these broad factors. |
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| Relational Responding to Rape Myths. |
| NICOLE HERNANDEZ (University of North Texas), Lea M. Fisher (University of North Texas), Amy Murrell (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: Rape fantasies are common sexual fantasies that both women and men experience. Inaccurate beliefs about rape may be the result of indirect learning experiences. Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a contextual behavioral account of language and cognition that explains how indirect learning occurs via stimulus control in the form of relational conditioning. The Implicit Relational Attitude Procedure (IRAP) is a computerized task that measures existing relational stimulus control. Usually, participants of the IRAP show longer latencies on trials that present stimuli that are inconsistent with their previous social-verbal learning histories. The present study examined the relationship between positive and negative words compared to rape and mutual sex stimuli using the IRAP. Explicit measures of attitudes toward rape were also administered. It was hypothesized that participants would show longer response latencies to inconsistent trials, trials that presented positive stimuli with rape or negative terms with mutual sex in the presence of the similar relational cue. Data collection is still in progress but will be collected and analyzed by this presentation. |
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| IRAP and You Listen, or Matching-to-Theory: An Opinion on the Usefulness of the IRAP and MTS Procedures for Answering Empirical Questions. |
| AMY MURRELL (University of North Texas), Amanda C. Adcock (University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee) |
| Abstract: A few years ago, students of RFT began to ponder the use of the IAT as a measure of the existence of “frames.” A couple of projects employed the IAT pre and post MTS and were only moderately successful at measuring changes. Industrious programmers began work on the new IRAP procedure, which utilizes similar technology as the IAT with adjustments for further direct examination of relational frames from the RFT perspective. Thus far, IRAP research has been successful at answering questions as to the existence of certain frames. This talk will explore the differences between the IRAP and MTS procedures, as well as the practical and technical issues with their use. It will highlight the specific research questions that have been answered by MTS, but not yet by the IRAP. The possibilities of developing an IRAP that can measure things such as development of frames, mutual and combinatorial entailment, and arbitrarily applicable relational responding will be discussed. |
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