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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm

Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm

Published on: May 4, 2020

A Contextual Behavior Science Framework for Understanding How Behavioral Flexibility Relates to Anxiety.

Kathleen M Palm Reed¹, Amy Y Cameron², Victoria E Ameral¹

¹1 Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA.

Behavior Modification

|September 15, 2017

Summary

Behavioral flexibility shows promise for anxiety disorders, but context is key. A functional, contextual framework offers a robust explanation for behavioral flexibility in psychopathology.

Keywords:

anxiety behavioral flexibility contextual behavior science emotion regulation

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Behavioral Science

Background:

Behavioral flexibility is increasingly linked to anxiety-related psychopathology.
Existing research faces challenges in defining, measuring, and applying behavioral flexibility.
Previous studies often neglect the crucial role of context in emotion regulation and coping strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose a functional, contextual framework for understanding behavioral flexibility.
To re-examine behavioral flexibility through established behavioral principles.
To provide a model for explaining behavioral flexibility in anxiety-related disorders.

Main Methods:

Reviewing existing literature on behavioral flexibility and emotion regulation.
Applying a contextual behavioral analysis framework.
Developing a model based on functional and contextual principles.

Main Results:

Behavioral flexibility is better understood through context than as a standalone construct.
Contextual behavioral analyses provide a comprehensive account of observed phenomena.
A functional, contextual model can effectively explain behavioral flexibility.

Conclusions:

A functional, contextual framework offers a more robust explanation for behavioral flexibility.
Revisiting behavioral roots provides a clearer path to understanding this construct.
This approach has implications for understanding and treating anxiety-related disorders.