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• Twenty-six single case experimental designs (SCED) included in review. • All reviewed studies were multiple baseline primarily exploring efficacy. • Two studies met What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards. • Lack of consensus in data analyses for SCEDs; visual and/or statistical. • Not possible to conclusively infer intervention efficacy from SCED studies. Recent publications within Contextual Behavioral Science provided a rationale for the expansion of intervention efficacy research using methods that capture idiographic factors and processes. We conducted a systematic review of the use and quality of single-case experimental designs (SCED) within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) literature in adult clinical populations. The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycArticles and OpenGrey were searched for peer-reviewed articles. Further studies were sought through review of reference lists of all full text studies. Studies were assessed against What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) single-case design standards. Twenty-six studies met eligibility criteria and were conducted within research teams all implementing multiple-baseline designs. Twenty-four studies did not meet WWC standards with most failing to ensure a degree of concurrence across participants. The extent of randomisation methods was also captured. The review highlights the sparsity of SCEDs within ACT literature in clinical populations and current methodological practices. Limitations of the review and implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional Contextualism has been popularized recently because it is the philosophy of science on the root of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, few texts have described FC in detail, leading to multiple misunderstandings. Accordingly, this article aims to present FC and respond to some of the misunderstandings typically seen on this topic. FC is presented as an extension and evolution of Skinner’s radical behaviorism when seen as a contextual and pragmatic philosophy of the science of behavior. In so doing, we briefly describe the evolution of behaviorism and distinguish radical behaviorism from other types of behaviorism. We emphasize Skinner’s contextual and pragmatic thinking but also indicate that his philosophical standpoint evolved over time, which was associated with some inconsistencies in his position. This led to the coexistence of mechanistic and contextual views of behavior analysis. Precisely, FC originated as an attempt to describe the contextual and pragmatic Skinnerian thinking based on the world hypotheses suggested by Stephen Pepper. We describe the four scientifically valid world hypotheses and present contextualism in detail. FC is a form of contextualism whose pre-analytic objectives are to predict and influence psychological events with precision, scope, and depth. Lastly, we discuss some of the misunderstandings regarding FC that are typically seen in texts, conferences, trainings, and social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence involves significant developmental changes and challenges including heightened body image concerns. However, there is limited research on adaptive ways of responding to perceived threats to body image. This study uses body image flexibility, derived from contextual behavioral perspectives, and coping theories to explore young people's responses to body image threats. High school and university students (12 male, 15 female) aged 12 to 24 years were recruited from educational institutions in a metropolitan area of Australia. Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews identified themes related to body image threats from internal and external sources. In response to these threats, young people reported coping by changing the content of, and how they related to, perceived threats, and seeking social support. In addition, young people viewed coping as a dynamic process that changed over time and across situations. Reported processes of attending to, and allowing, momentary negative experiences and connecting with other important life domains were consistent with body image flexibility. The coping context affected the selection of coping strategies, with body image flexibility facilitating more adaptive coping for some participants. Further investigation of contextual behavioral approaches, such as body image flexibility, could help to better understand and promote adaptive body image coping in youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psychological inflexibility is the systematic use of ineffective behavioral regulation strategies that in the long-term worsen psychological distress and quality of life. Evidence suggests that psychological inflexibility is a trans-diagnostic process essential to mental-health that predicts “emotional and affective disorders”. This study proposes two trans-diagnostic models of risk based on experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, repetitive negative thinking, and values obstruction and generalized pliance as part of a “psychological inflexibility” super-ordinated factor using available instruments which already have psychometric properties and factor structure analyses, along with evidence of validity and reliability in Colombia. Said super-ordinated factor is expected to be associated to the outcome variables in the current sample and have some relationship with other latent super-ordinated factors deemed “sociodemographic variables”, “sexuality”, “mental health history” and “suicide risk”. Method: There was a cross-sectional correlational design and a non-randomized convenience sampling. The sample was 541 young adults from Cundinamarca aging from 18 to 39 (M=28.86; SD=5.66), most of them cisgender (98%; n=530), assigned female at birth (81.9%; n=443) and identified as women (81.5%; n=441). They responded to an online survey inquiring sexuality, sociodemographic and mental health history aspects and including emotional symptomatology, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, repetitive negative thinking, values obstruction and generalized pliance assessment. Structural Equation Modelling was used to adjust the aforementioned models. Results: Both models had a good fit. Psychological inflexibility (β= .70) and suicide risk (β= .33) had a moderate relationship (r= .66) and were associated with emotional symptomatology. Emotional symptomatology (β= 1.56) and psychological inflexibility (β=-.77) had a strong relationship (r= .95) and were associated with suicide risk. Discussion: There is preliminary evidence for the role of psychological inflexibility and sexuality related variables as potential risk factors associated with emotional symptomatology and suicide risk, supporting some of the assumptions from the ACT model.

Introduction: Psychological inflexibility is the systematic use of ineffective behavioral regulation strategies that in the long-term worsen psychological distress and quality of life. Evidence suggests that psychological inflexibility is a trans-diagnostic process essential to mental-health that predicts "emotional and affective disorders". This study proposes two trans-diagnostic models of risk based on experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, repetitive negative thinking, and values obstruction and generalized pliance as part of a "psychological inflexibility" super-ordinated factor using available instruments which already have psychometric properties and factor structure analyses, along with evidence of validity and reliability in Colombia. Said super-ordinated factor is expected to be associated to the outcome variables in the current sample and have some relationship with other latent superordinated factors deemed "sociodemographic variables", "sexuality", "mental health history" and "suicide risk". Method: There was a cross-sectional correlational design and a non-randomized convenience sampling. The sample was 541 young adults from Cundinamarca aging from 18 to 39 (M=28.86; SD=5.66), most of them cisgender (98%; n=530), assigned female at birth (81.9%; n=443) and identified as women (81.5%; n=441). They responded to an online survey inquiring sexuality, sociodemographic and mental health history aspects and including emotional symptomatology, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, repetitive negative thinking, values obstruction and generalized pliance assessment. Structural Equation Modelling was used to adjust the aforementioned models. Results: Both models had a good fit. Psychological inflexibility (β= .70) and suicide risk (β= .33) had a moderate relationship (r= .66) and were associated with emotional symptomatology. Emotional symptomatology (β= 1.56) and psychological inflexibility (β=-.77) had a strong relationship (r= .95) and were associated with suicide risk. Discussion: There is preliminary evidence for the role of psychological inflexibility and sexuality related variables as potential risk factors associated with emotional symptomatology and suicide risk, supporting some of the assumptions from the ACT model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing openness, transparency, and reproducibility in contextual behavioral science (CBS) through incorporating CBS-consistent open science practices was identified as a key aim of the ACBS Research Task Force. However, little data exist on the prevalence of open science practices currently being used in CBS research. This study aimed to address this gap by auditing the prevalence of open science and reproducibility practices in studies published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science across 1 year, prior to the journal's adoption of open science recommendations (July 2020–July 2021). Aims of the study were twofold: first, to characterize current use of open science and reproducibility practices in JCBS to serve as a point for future comparison; second, to compare the rate of open science and reproducibility practices in JCBS, the flagship journal for contextual behavioral science, against two recently published audits of top clinical psychology journals. Domains audited were use of pre-registration, practices to ensure adequate power, data availability statements, use of standard reporting guidelines, preprints, conflict of interest statements, and resource and code sharing. Results indicated that studies published in JCBS had low rates of pre-registration, data availability statements, preprint posting, and resource and code sharing. Use of mandated standardized reporting guidelines and conflict of interest disclosures, both required by JCBS at the time of the audit, reflected relative strengths. Power for correlational studies was superior to power for experimental studies; the latter reflected a relative weakness compared to other clinical psychology journals. Rates of practices required by JCBS were significantly higher than those not required. JCBS may consider strongly encouraging or mandating other open science practices to incentivize researchers to use them. • Audited studies published in JCBS from 2020 to 2021 for open science and reproducibility practices. • Practices required by JCBS, including COI statements and reporting guidelines, were most common. • Less common practices included pre-registration, data availability, and posting pre-prints. • Median sample size for correlational studies in JCBS was 24% less than comparison journals in 2015. • Median sample size for experimental studies in JCBS was 37% of that in comparison journals in 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly increasing rate of climate change is a major threat of our time. Human behaviors contribute to climate change. These behaviors are malleable. To change human behavior in significant and sustainable ways, we need a scientific understanding of motivation and behavior change. One area in psychological science that provides precision, scope, and depth to our understanding of human behavior and motivation is contextual behavioral science (CBS). The current article provides an account of how CBS can provide real-world solutions to promoting positive behavior change to reduce human-induced climate issues. Specifically, we will outline six evidence-based considerations for organizations aiming to promote pro-environmental behaviors through messaging, advertising, and social marketing. Practical examples are provided across all six considerations to promote behavior change to reduce the rapidly increasing rate of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hayes et al. (2021) provide a variety of valuable recommendations for contextual behavioral scientists to increase the impact of their research. The merits and weaknesses of these recommendations are discussed from pragmatic and theoretical perspectives. Our commentary on the positive and negative facets of the Task Force findings are informed by our extensive experience working with underrepresented communities and as scholars of color ourselves. While we agree that improving psychological science will require an interdisciplinary approach, we highlight how this white paper is not entirely accessible to diverse samples and scientists alike, and thus, may limit interdisciplinary partnerships. Moreover, further bolstering is needed related to equity, diversity, and inclusion to ensure that future CBS research can fulfill its highly prosocial and innovative mission. Lessons learned from our own work and other diversity science scholars in the field are provided in order to highlight potential future directions for CBS scholars to consider to strengthen the applicability of the Task Force recommendations across diverse samples. • Many laudable prosocial recommendations are made by the ACBS Task Force on Contextual Behavioral Science • More attention is needed to make the recommendations more applicable to diverse community samples and diverse scholars • Stronger emphasis on interdisciplinary partnerships within the community and academic networks would bolster success and impact of CBS • Other perspectives on how CBS may leverage existing work conducted via CBPR, IS, and social justice are presented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this cross-sectional study with a sample of racially diverse emerging adults, we examined whether mindfulness moderated the association between engaged living and a range of psychological distress variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress). Methods: The study sample comprised 1020 university students, aged 18–25 (M = 19.5, SD = 1.6), recruited from a public university in Hawaiʻi. Engaged living, mindfulness, and psychological distress were measured by the Engaged Living Scale (ELS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and short‐form version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), respectively. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the conditional effect of engaged living on psychological distress variables at varying levels of mindfulness. Results: We found a significant two-way interaction effect between engaged living and mindfulness on depression, but not on anxiety or stress. Specifically, the inverse relationship between engaged living and depression was attenuated in 3 with high levels of mindfulness. Conclusions: These results suggest that clarity of values and life fulfillment, processes that are captured by the construct of engaged living, are relevant to depression, particularly when mindfulness is low, and that both mindfulness and engaged living serve as unique salutary pathways in the context of experiencing anxiety and stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The literature shows that retirement can bring both positive and negative effects. However, there are few tested interventions for preparing workers for this transition and avoiding or minimizing its negative impacts. This paper presents a study with multiple groups that examined the social validity of an intervention for retirement education grounded in contextual behavioral science and acceptance and commitment therapy. Twenty-seven workers aged 29 to 65 divided into three intervention groups participated (group 1, N = 15; group 2, N = 9; group 3, N = 3). According to the participants’ evaluations, the intervention provided socially valid goals, socially acceptable procedures, and socially important effects. However, some improvements are still needed, such as the use of more dynamic methods, better formatted printed material, and increased fidelity between the content’s implementation and the prescribed activities. The positive results indicate that contextual behavioral science may bolster the development of interventions whose components possess evidence for their social validity. The further evaluation of the intervention via a clinical trial study will offer more robust evidence for its effectiveness. It is hoped that by increasing the availability of theory-based interventions in this area, the present study will promote valid strategies to facilitate better adjustment to retirement.

This review summarized recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses on randomized controlled trials evaluating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Although the strength of evidence varies, overall there is plausible evidence for the efficacy of ACT for a wide range of areas including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, psychosis, substance use disorders, chronic pain, coping with chronic health conditions, obesity, stigma, and stress and burnout. ACT is also efficacious when delivered in digital self-help formats. Reviews of mediation research indicate ACT works through increasing psychological flexibility., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although divorce rates are increasing in Japan, studies on the relationships of Japanese couples are lacking. This is the first empirical study on couples therapy in Japan. We developed Contextual Couples Therapy (CCT) , a principle-based intervention comprising two sessions for Japanese couples. We evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of the intervention in a randomized controlled trial. A total of 36 individuals (18 couples) were randomly assigned to CCT (n = 16) and waitlist control conditions (n = 20). Couples were assessed at pre- and post-treatment and 1- and 3-month follow-ups using the Couples Satisfaction Index. The results indicated that CCT significantly improved the quality of relationships, and the effects were maintained at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. The findings on the satisfaction and acceptability of CCT are encouraging for conducting full-scale randomized control trials. • Developed Contextual Couples Therapy, a 2-session intervention for Japanese couples. • Evaluated intervention's efficacy via randomized controlled trial with 18 couples. • Couples assessed pre-, post-treatment, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. • Contextual Couples Therapy improved relationship quality significantly. • Effects outperformed waitlist control, maintained at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextual behavioral science (CBS) is the guiding philosophy of practice and research in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBS research is directed by a functional contextual paradigm that is based on empirical research with a steadfast commitment to situating the object of study in its context. However, the CBS community is still primarily quantitative in its outlook on research and qualitative research is not an active component of the CBS strategy. This paper argues that qualitative research has much to offer to CBS: 1) a better appreciation of context; 2) understanding processes of change; 3) shedding light on complex private events; 4) recognizing the values and biases of the researcher; 5) contributing to the transfer of knowledge and to the clinical relevance of research. This paper proposes adopting a pluralistic perspective to include qualitative methodology more actively in the CBS research strategy, which can unlock doors that are left unopened by quantitative empirical methodology. After providing a brief description of qualitative research, quantitative research and functional contextualism, the dominance of quantitative research will be presented. Following this, a narrative review of 36 qualitative studies in CBS will offer an overview of how qualitative research can contribute to the CBS strategy. It is hoped that a strong case can be made for making qualitative research complementary to quantitative methods and an essential part of the research plan for CBS. • Contextual behavioral science (CBS) is largely based on quantitative research. • Qualitative research can contribute to CBS's research strategy. • A narrative review of 36 qualitative studies showed contributions to CBS. • Adopting a pluralistic perspective in CBS can guide methodological diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral assimilation to age stereotypes (BAAS) is referred to as the behavioral phenomenon of impaired task performance among older adults that is consistent with negative aging-related stereotypes. This laboratory study evaluated the inoculating effect of a contextual behavioral science (CBS)-informed intervention on a cognitive performance task (i.e., Block Design) among Japanese older adults who were primed with a negative aging-related stereotype. Fifty-nine older adult participants were randomly assigned to either the CBS-informed intervention group (n = 30) or attention-placebo control group (n = 29). The CBS-informed intervention group completed a self-as-observer exercise and rapid word repetition defusion task, whereas the attention-placebo control group received general conversation with the experimenter. The CBS-informed group showed significantly greater scores on the Block Design task than the attention-placebo control group. Fusion with a conceptualized self did not moderate the intervention effect. Limitations and implications of results are discussed. • The topic of the study is behavioral assimilation to age stereotypes (BAAS) in Japanese older adults. • This experiment examined the inoculating effect of CBS-informed intervention on BAAS. • BAAS was measured by the block design task following presentation of negative age stereotypes. • The CBS-informed intervention attenuated BAAS more so than the attention-placebo control condition. • Implications of these findings will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has demonstrated a connection between microaggressions and decreased mental health across racial and ethnic groups. Microaggressions on college campuses can have a negative impact on students of color, which has led to a push for more microaggression-focused diversity trainings on college campuses. However, no training thus far has demonstrated efficacy in reducing participants' propensity to commit microaggressions. We reported an intervention, the Racial Harmony Workshop (RHW), to reduce racial biases and microaggressions and promote interracial connection among college students. The RHW was designed to increase connectedness across racial groups, using principles and techniques from Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The study was conducted with Black and White undergraduate students (N = 44) randomly assigned to an active control group or the RHW. Participants were given pre-test, post-test, and follow-up batteries to assess inter-group feelings and racial attitudes. Results indicated positive benefits for both Black and White participants, including improved mood and increased positive feelings towards Black people for the White students, as well as increased ethnic identity for the Black students. White students in both conditions showed a decreased likelihood of committing microaggressions, and those in the RHW condition also showed a decreased likelihood of having microaggressive thoughts and increased gains over time. Overall, the results suggest there are several benefits to the RHW, and further research is warranted to build upon these findings. • We designed the Racial Harmony Workshop (RHW) based on FAP and ACT principles. • The RHW aims to reduce microaggressions and increase interracial connection. • White students in the RHW showed decreased likelihood of microaggressive thoughts. • They also developed more positive feelings towards Black people than controls. • Black students in both conditions reported stronger ethnic identity a month later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address limited access to behavioral health services in primary care, we conducted a preliminary effectiveness study of a novel acceptance and commitment therapy group treatment implemented within pediatric integrated primary care (ACT-IPC) using a retrospective cohort study design. Participants included 110 youth referred after psychological evaluation between 2015 and 2019. ACT-IPC was implemented in nine sessions; participants had a variety of primary psychiatric diagnoses and were predominantly White (93%) and female (81%) with an average age of 15.1 (SD = 1.5). Anxiety (d = −0.71) and depression (d = −0.54) symptoms improved significantly, as did psychological inflexibility (d = −0.52). Additionally, up to three individualized treatment goals were established and tracked weekly. These outcomes also improved significantly (d = −.69 to d = −1.42), and the first two goals evidenced the majority of improvement within approximately the first half of treatment. Reliable and clinically significant change was promising on all outcomes, and few iatrogenic effects were observed. Of note, concurrent individual therapy and psychotropic medication were prevalent within the sample and were not associated with improved outcomes. Overall, findings provide preliminary transdiagnostic effectiveness and feasibility of ACT-IPC and represent a positive example of a reticulated contextual behavioral science approach to treatment development. • Improved access to effective behavioral health treatments for youth is needed. • Integrated primary care can improve access to effective treatments. • Preliminary effectiveness studies can help inform viability of novel treatments. • ACT-IPC improved outcomes and shows promise for continued development. • Findings are discussed in detail along with suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature shows that retirement can bring both positive and negative effects. However, there are few tested interventions for preparing workers for this transition and avoiding or minimizing its negative impacts. This paper presents a study with multiple groups that examined the social validity of an intervention for retirement education grounded in contextual behavioral science and acceptance and commitment therapy. Twenty-seven workers aged 29 to 65 divided into three intervention groups participated (group 1, N = 15; group 2, N = 9; group 3, N = 3). According to the participants' evaluations, the intervention provided socially valid goals, socially acceptable procedures, and socially important effects. However, some improvements are still needed, such as the use of more dynamic methods, better formatted printed material, and increased fidelity between the content's implementation and the prescribed activities. The positive results indicate that contextual behavioral science may bolster the development of interventions whose components possess evidence for their social validity. The further evaluation of the intervention via a clinical trial study will offer more robust evidence for its effectiveness. It is hoped that by increasing the availability of theory-based interventions in this area, the present study will promote valid strategies to facilitate better adjustment to retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After two decades of quiescence, clinical psychedelic research re-started in the 1990s and is rapidly accelerating. Early evidence for effectiveness is promising, but understanding of the psychological processes of change underlying observed benefits is limited. This paper outlines contextual behavioral science (CBS) as an ideal framework for understanding psychedelic experiences and the psychological processes of change involved in psychedelic assisted therapy. This paper argues that CBS-based therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can contribute to deepening and maintaining the often profound acute effects of psychedelics. The paper begins by briefly outlining the current state of clinical psychedelic research. It then progresses to outlining why CBS may be uniquely positioned to potentially increase the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy, how this scientific model fits with existing data on psychedelic-assisted therapy, as well as with leading neuroscientific theories such as the entropic brain theory. Finally, it concludes by suggesting avenues for future research on how CBS could contribute to psychedelic science, and vice versa. • Clinical psychedelic research re-started in the 1990s and is rapidly accelerating. • Understanding of the psychological processes of change limited. • Contextual behavioral science can be used to understand psychedelic assisted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence from Contextual Behavioral Science indicates that two patterns of relating facilitate a sense of self, namely, self-as-distinction and self-as-hierarchy. Although the latter has been associated with better mental health outcomes relative to self-as-distinction, to date these types of relating have not been examined directly at a baseline level, wherein manipulation has not occurred. The present study examined the relative contribution of self-as-distinction and self-as-hierarchy on depression, stress, and anxiety in a sample of 102 young people, while controlling for deictic ability and gender. The role of psychological flexibility was also examined using mediation analysis. While self-as-hierarchy emerged as a significant predictor of lower levels of stress and depression, psychological flexibility was not found to mediate this relationship. Self-as-distinction did not emerge as a significant predictor of any outcome variable. Suggestions for future research on the basis of these findings are discussed. • Self-as-distinction and self-as-hierarchy are examined in relation to mental health. • Higher self-as-hierarchy significantly predicts lower depression and stress. • Self-as-distinction is not a significant predictor of any outcome variable. • Psychological flexibility does not significantly mediate this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With technological advancement, we have increased access to unstructured text data and the means to analyze it. Such information is available from electronic health records, blogs, social media posts, and other sources and is being used in business applications and social science research. These approaches can open up new areas for analysis, summarize massive amounts of information, and provide rapid feedback. Contextual behavioral science research in this area remains extremely limited. This manuscript provides an overview of techniques suitable for beginners interested in such analyses, potential applications, and resources for learning more. • Our society generates an increasing amount of unstructured text. • New techniques for analyzing these data are needed. • Analysis of unstructured text in contextual behavioral science is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents data from a review of the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS) with a focus on the ways contextual behavioral scientists measure and report about behavior. The results indicate that a majority of empirical papers in JCBS utilize only one type of measurement: self-report. This finding is considered with respect to the stated scientific aims of the Contextual Behavior Science (CBS) community, and to the merits and risks of a science of self-report. Specifically, we question whether such a heavy reliance on self-report is sufficient to produce a comprehensive, reticulated science capable of " prediction and influence of behavior, with precision scope and depth.... that is more adequate to the challenge of the human condition " (Hayes, Barnes-Holmes, & Wilson, 2012) without increased utilization of behavioral dependent variables. Moreover, we offer that the use of self-report as the primary research paradigm and correspondent disuse of behavioral measures is discordant with the guidance of CBS's claimed intellectual fore-bearers, Darwin, Skinner, and Sidman. We conclude with suggestions for how CBS researchers can incorporate a greater diversity of measurement tools in their research agendas such that the contents of JCBS align more closely with its stated mission and scientific roots. • Reviewed all JCBS manuscripts through volume 5(4), 2016. • 20% of papers report on multiple measurement types. • 99% of papers report non-behavioral measurement. • 25% of papers report behavioral measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An analysis of publication trends related to author sex was conducted on all articles published within the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS) between 2012 and 2017. This was in response to calls within the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) for an examination of its commitment to and progress in advancing inclusion and diversity. Results indicated that there was near parity in the overall numbers of male and female authors, with approximately equal numbers of male and female first authors. However, a significant difference was observed among corresponding authors, with males more likely to fulfil this role. Male authors also produced more single author articles. Furthermore, male authored articles received significantly more citations than female authored articles, though time of publication could be a confounding factor. Areas where further progress could be made are highlighted. This paper closes a key informational gap for Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) by providing quantitative data on sex-specific publication trends within the JCBS. The results of this study may aid further empirical investigation into the possible factors underlying these sex gaps and potential barriers to publication for authors within the ACBS. Highlights • Sex-specific publication trends were examined in the JCBS. • There was near parity in overall number of male and female authors and 1st authors. • Corresponding authors were more likely to be male. • There were significant differences in favor of males in terms of article citations. • Results may promote investigation into underlying factors and publication barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Clinicians can treat the interbehavioral field as the primary unit of analysis. • Clinicians can treat thoughts and feelings as observable behaviors. • Clinicans can include interactional history as an aspect of the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that globally, 10–20% of young people experience a mental health disorder in a given year. The emergence of many issues in adolescence can be linked to a dysfunctional sense of self. Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) suggests that there are three functionally distinct patterns of self discrimination, that is, Self-as-Content, Self-as-Process, and Self-as-Context, each of which has important implications for a healthy, functional sense of self. This study examines the relative predictive power of the three selves according to CBS to predict mental health in adolescents. A sample of 176 adolescents participated. Using hierarchical multiple regression a significant model emerged indicating that the three selves model is predictive of mental health in adolescents. Results are discussed in terms of implications for future research, such as development of interventions based on the CBS conceptualization of self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of idiographically defined target behaviors in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) has limited participation in a reticulated model of treatment development. One way to address this limitation is to offer a standardized set of clinical targets for FAP. The current study details a method of identifying standardized treatment targets in FAP using the Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) model. The applicability of the model was assessed by evaluating the degree to which previously identified clinical targets in FAP research correspond with the proposed specific categories of the ACL model. There is an 83.67% fit between past idiographic targets and current standardized targets. We discuss how ACL may be clinically useful and encourage more integrative treatment development for FAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global Mental Health (GMH) initiatives aim to address inequities in mental health care across the world. Particular emphasis is placed on building mental health service capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where over 80% of the global population live. Consistent with this approach, concerted efforts are being made to globally disseminate psychological interventions. These initiatives must negotiate tensions that exist between making interventions sufficiently scalable, whilst retaining aspects of the psychotherapy process that maximize both the acceptability and efficacy of psychological interventions. This paper reflects on the important contribution that Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) can make to GMH. CBS draws on behavioral and environmental principles that translate into various therapeutic applications [including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)] and social change initiatives (such as the PROSOCIAL approach). Consideration will be given to the cross-cultural utility and validity of CBS approaches, and the way in these can help ensure that GMH initiatives extend beyond narrow efforts to address symptoms of mental disorders to include a focus on enhancing wellbeing. It is proposed that knowledge from ACT and FAP can help build sophistication in efforts to develop and deliver ‘therapist-free’ psychological interventions that will need to retain sensitivity to clients’ emotional expressions. In addition, the PROSOCIAL approach provides opportunities for groups of people to cooperate effectively to achieve shared aspirations and build ‘communities of support’ that can serve to optimize peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the past century the topic of delusions has mainly been studied by researchers operating at the mental level of analysis. According to this perspective, delusional beliefs, as well as their emergence and persistence, stem from an interplay between (dysfunctional) mental representations and processes. Our paper aims to provide a starting point for researchers and clinicians interested in examining the topic of delusions from a functional-analytic perspective. We begin with a brief review of the research literature with a particular focus on persecutory delusions. Thereafter we introduce Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS), Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and a behavioral phenomenon known as arbitrarily applicable relational responding (AARR). Drawing upon AARR, and recent empirical developments within CBS, we argue that (persecutory) delusions may be conceptualized, studied and influenced using a functional-analytic approach. We consider future directions for research in this area as well as clinical interventions aimed at influencing delusions and their expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a contextual cognitive-behavioural approach with a developing evidence base for clinical and cost-effectiveness as an individually-delivered intervention to promote recovery from psychosis. ACT also lends itself to brief group delivery, potentially increasing access to therapy without inflating costs. This study examined, for the first time, the feasibility and acceptability of ACT groups for people with psychosis (G-ACTp).Methods: Participants were recruited from community psychosis teams. Ratings of user satisfaction, and pre-post change in self-rated functioning (primary outcome), mood (secondary outcome) and ACT processes were all completed with an independent assessor. Of 89 people recruited, 83 completed pre measures, 69 started the four-week G-ACTp intervention, and 65 completed post measures.Results: Independently assessed acceptability and satisfaction were high. Functioning (Coeff. = -2.4, z = -2.9, p = 0.004; 95% CI: -4.0 to -0.8; within subject effect size (ES) d = 0.4) and mood (Coeff. = -2.3, z = -3.5, p = 0.001; 95% CI: -3.5 to -1.0; d = 0.4) improved from baseline to follow-up. Commensurate changes in targeted ACT processes were consistent with the underlying model.Limitations: The uncontrolled, pre-post design precluded blinded assessments, and may have inflated effect sizes. Participants may have improved as a result of other factors, and findings require replication in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).Conclusions: This preliminary study showed that brief group ACT interventions for people with psychosis are feasible and acceptable. Uncontrolled, pre-post assessments suggest small clinical improvements, and changes in psychological processes consistent with an ACT model. Replication in an RCT is required, before implementation can be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article responds to the criticism raised by WT O'Donohue, C. Snipes and C. Soto and describes the larger scientific strategy employed by the contextual behavioral science movement with emphasis on replications in the area of processes of change for acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

There has recently been a renewed interest in philosophy among some psychologists, particularly those working within the modern behavior analytic framework known as contextual behavioral science. Functional contextualism (FC) has emerged as an alternative to the dominant mechanistic view – generally associated with epistemological realism—within psychology. The most controversial feature of FC has been its so-called “a-ontological” stance, in which it is argued that any statements about even the mere existence of a reality independent of human sensation are meaningless. We argue that FC in fact requires the assumption of the existence of such a “reality,” which we term an “independent, textured substratum,” if it is to serve as an orienting function for psychological science. Moreover, wholesale rejection of any reference to any ontological dimension is itself incommensurate with the analytic goals of FC in that it unnecessarily alienates scientists who might otherwise find value in the sensitivities of FC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing parenting literature is dominated by two worldviews: the behavioral worldview and the relational/emotional worldview. Points of tension between these worldviews are apparent within the scientific literature; however, both approaches can be fully incorporated into an evolutionary science paradigm including contextual behavioral science. Connect and shape is a parenting meta-strategy that combines behavioral and the relational/emotional strategies into a single parent–child interaction. The elements of connect and shape are not new. What is new is the combination of parental responsiveness/emotion coaching and behavioral parenting strategies into a single, clearly elucidated meta-strategy that can be easily incorporated into parenting intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]