Contextual Behavioural Science

Abstract

Summary Contextual behavioral science (CBS) was in many regards birthed in two major professional organizations. The initial debates around the underlying philosophy of science occurred at the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Acceptance and commitment therapy is the most researched and tested application of CBS. This chapter examines the six-process psychological flexibility model, and briefly considers relational frame theory, an arguably basic terminological system. The chapter discusses a few emerging terminological systems within CBS and their potential to meet CBS theoretical and philosophical challenges. Functional contextualism offers a stopping point at which prediction and influence is possible. CBS is ultimately a practical matter and all of the work must be held ultimately to the test of whether, and to what extent, it has served the improvement and enrichment of one's own lives and of the lives he/she serves.