Die Bezugsrahmentheorie - Eine Grundlage zum Verständnis von kontextuellen Psychotherapiemethoden

Translated title of the contribution: Relational Frame Theory - A Theoretical Framework for Contextual Behavioral Science

M. Kensche*, U. Schweiger

*Corresponding author for this work
    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Therapists have to deal with verbal systems and often work with verbal exchange. Therefore, a psychological theory is required, which teaches the therapist how to accomplish this task. The BRT is a theory of human language and cognition that explains how people use their verbal behavior as stimuli in their interrelations and how they act and react, based on the resulting relationships. This behavior is learned very early in the course of language acquisition and functions as a generalized operant. A prerequisite for this is the ability of people to undergo mental simulation. This enables them to construct diverse relational frameworks between individual stimuli. Without relational frameworks, people cannot function. The ability to establish a relational framework is a prerequisite for the formation of rule-governed behavior. Rule-governed behavior economizes complex decision processes, creates interpersonal security and enables dealing with events before they take place. On the other hand, the same properties that enable people to solve problems effectively can also contribute to rigid adherence to rules and experience avoidance. Relational frameworks, once established, outweigh other sources of behavioral regulation. Thus, it can become the basis of psychopathology. Poor contextual control makes it difficult for people to devote flexible, focused and voluntary attention to the present and align their actions with the immediate present. Contextual psychotherapy methods that are based on the BRT start precisely at this point: Targeted establishment of new contingencies in the therapeutic interaction through systematic strengthening of metacognitive mode and through the establishment of new rules that make possible a change in the rule-governed behavior enable undermining of dysfunctional rule-governed behavior and build up desirable behavior. This allows any therapeutic process to be more effective - regardless of the patients expressed symptoms.

    Translated title of the contributionRelational Frame Theory - A Theoretical Framework for Contextual Behavioral Science
    Original languageGerman
    JournalPPmP Psychotherapie Psychosomatik Medizinische Psychologie
    Volume65
    Issue number7
    Pages (from-to)273-284
    Number of pages12
    ISSN0937-2032
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 01.07.2015

    Research Areas and Centers

    • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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