Effects of deictic framing and defusion on the development of self-as-context in individuals with disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a brief protocol based on Relational Frame Theory (RFT) that consisted of a defusion exercise in combination with perspective-taking interactions. The protocol was designed to alter verbal statements about the self by training deictic frames (i.e., I-YOU, HERE-THERE, and NOW-THEN) and presenting a defusion exercise. A pre-post design with a control group was implemented to evaluate the effects of the protocol on the rate of self-as-context and self-as-content statements. Individuals with disabilities served as participants and were assigned to each group based on the rate of self-as-content statements. Participants in the treatment group received the brief protocol, while participants in the control group engaged in a conversation about social skills. Following, participants completed an interview aimed to identify deictic relationships and negative statements about the self. Results demonstrated a significant effect in reducing the number of self-as-content statements and increasing the number of self-as-context statements for participants in the treatment group. Limitations of the current study are discussed, and future research is recommended.