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Relational Frame Theory: An Overview of the Controversy

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Abstract

Although Skinner’s Verbal Behavior (1957) was published over 50 years ago, behavior-analytic research on human language and cognition has been slow to develop. In recent years, a new behavioral approach to language known as relational frame theory (RFT) has generated considerable attention, research, and debate. The controversy surrounding RFT can be difficult to fully appreciate, partly because of the complexity of the theory itself and partly because the debate has spanned several years and several journals. The current paper aims to provide a concise overview of RFT and a summary of key points of debate and controversy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008, USA

    Amy C. Gross & Eric J. Fox

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  1. Amy C. Gross
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  2. Eric J. Fox
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We thank Candice Jostad for her feedback on an earlier version of this manuscript. Eric Fox is now at the Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center in San Francisco.

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Gross, A.C., Fox, E.J. Relational Frame Theory: An Overview of the Controversy. Analysis Verbal Behav 25, 87–98 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393073

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