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Evaluating the evidence base for relational frame theory: a citation analysis.
Simon Dymond1, Richard J May, Anita Munnelly
1Swansea University.
The Behavior Analyst
|April 6, 2012
Summary
Relational Frame Theory (RFT) has a substantial evidence base, with most research focusing on typically developing adults. This analysis evaluated RFT
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Cognitive psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a behavior-analytic theory of language and cognition.
- RFT has faced controversy regarding its evidence base since its inception in 1985.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the empirical evidence base for Relational Frame Theory.
- To categorize articles citing RFT and analyze research trends.
Main Methods:
- Citation analysis of RFT-related search terms from 1991 to 2008.
- Categorization of 174 identified articles into empirical and nonempirical types.
- Further classification of empirical articles (RFT-specific vs. other) and nonempirical articles (reviews vs. conceptual).
Main Results:
- A total of 174 articles were identified, with 62 empirical and 112 nonempirical.
- Of empirical articles, 42 were RFT-specific and 20 were other.
- Most empirical RFT research involved typically developing adults and the 'sameness' relational frame, primarily published in The Psychological Record and JEAB.
Conclusions:
- Relational Frame Theory has made a significant contribution to psychological literature in a short timeframe.
- The majority of empirical RFT research focuses on specific populations and relational frames.
- The study provides a structured overview of the RFT evidence base and research landscape.
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