Values: A Core Guiding Principle for Behavior-Analytic Intervention and Research

Values represent qualities or beliefs that are of high priority to individuals or society and represent one of the core processes within acceptance and commitment therapy or training (ACT or ACTr). The current article discusses values and valuing not only as a centralized process in ACT but also as a core process guiding the field of applied behavior analysis with applications that extend across several intervention domains. A relational frame theory model of values as hierarchical frames that augment reinforcing functions that can influence socially meaningful behavior change is reviewed. This basic model is then extended to encompass temporal, deictic, and causal frames. Values-based intervention research is emerging in areas such as guided decision making, professional development, organizational behavior management, parent training, and treatment plans for children and adults. Although this research is promising, more work is needed to further explore the role of values and valuing within ACT, and when they are used within other intervention strategies. Several potential avenues for future research that may aid in the development of values-based intervention by behavior analysts and extend the scope of our field and practice are discussed.