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Multimedia Tutorial

An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT)

Eric J. Fox
4.55 out of 5
(504 customer reviews)

$69.99

BCBA CEUs: 7 CEUs

An award-winning, interactive, multimedia tutorial that will help you master the key concepts, terms, and approach of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), a behavior-analytic account of human language and cognition. RFT provides a framework for an analysis of complex human behavior that serves as the basis of promising new interventions in applied behavior analysis or ABA (e.g., PEAK Relational Training System) and clinical psychology (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

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Description

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a behavioral account of human language and cognition that emerged primarily from converging lines of research on rule-governed behavior and derived stimulus relations. It is an extension of B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior in some respects, but also directly challenges some of the basic tenets of that analysis. More importantly, it has drastic implications for how we conduct a science of human behavior, as it explains how stimulus functions can be altered in ways that are not directly predictable from a traditional contingency analysis. RFT provides a framework for an analysis of complex human behavior, and serves as the basis of promising new interventions in applied behavior analysis (e.g., PEAK Relational Training System) and clinical psychology (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). This tutorial, first published in 2004, helps the learner master the key concepts, terms, and approach of RFT.

Related blog post: Celebrating 20 Years of the RFT Tutorial

About the Author

Dr. Eric FoxAn Introduction to Relational Frame Theory was written and developed by Eric J. Fox, Ph.D. (Doc Fox), the Founder and CEO of FoxyLearning and CEUniverse. Doc Fox was a contributing author to the first book-length treatment of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), developed the original Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) website (and the RFT and ACT websites that preceded it), was a founding member of the ACBS Board of Directors, and has presented and published on RFT numerous times. He holds a doctorate in Learning & Instructional Technology from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in behavior analysis from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has over two decades of experience in instructional design and previously served as a faculty member in the psychology department of Western Michigan University, Dean of Instruction at Saybrook University, Director of Instructional Design for Altius Education, Senior Content Developer at Cengage Learning, and Director of Educational Technology for The Ohio State University College of Medicine. His love of learning, technology, and behavioral science is coupled with an unhealthy affinity for Batman.

Learning Objectives

This tutorial introduces a conceptual framework (RFT) for analyzing human language and cognition that is more functional and pragmatic than the structural analyses of traditional linguistics or cognitive psychology. It will be particularly beneficial to those wishing to understand the theoretical basis of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Training (ACT) or those working to establish verbal repertoires with children or adults who have language delays. This tutorial will not provide you with training in specific interventions or methods based on RFT, but it will provide you with a conceptual understanding of the theoretical basis of such interventions and methods. Upon completing the tutorial, the learner should be able to:

  1. Identify two of the distinguishing characteristics of human language and how they are accounted for by Relational Frame Theory (RFT)
  2. Identify definitions and examples of key theoretical concepts in RFT (including derived stimulus relation, functional contextual theory, relational responding, generalized operant, multiple exemplar training, mutual entailment, combinatorial entailment, transformation of stimulus functions, and contextual cues)
  3. Specify the process by which relational responding leads to derived stimulus relations
  4. Analyze samples of natural language using the terms and concepts of RFT

History

This tutorial was initially developed as part of the author’s dissertation research at Arizona State University. The topic was selected to introduce the complex concepts of RFT to a broad audience. The content of this tutorial should be considered quite accurate, as it was written by an expert in the field and reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Steven C. Hayes, who led the development of RFT and ACT, and Dr. Dermot Barnes-Holmes, who is one of the most prolific RFT researchers and scholars in the world. A beta version of the tutorial was introduced in 2003, with the first full release in 2004. The tutorial earned the author the Nova Southeastern Award for Outstanding Practice by a Graduate Student in Instructional Design from the Design & Development division of the Association for Educational Communications & Technology. With an award name that long, you know it’s got to be good. The first commercial version (developed in Adobe Flash) was launched on FoxyLearning in January 2010 and the first HTML5 version was launched in May 2012. The tutorial is updated on an ongoing basis, with with significant updates occurring in June 2013, June 2019, January 2020, August 2022, and October 2023.

Content

You can access several sample lessons for free below. Please note that your progress on sample lessons is not tracked or recorded.

Module Content

Lesson 4: Derived Stimulus Relations 40 Pages Sample Lesson
Lesson 5: Human Language and Cognition 4 Pages
Lesson 7: Relational Responding 45 Pages
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/45 Steps
7.1 Concept Map
7.2 Relational Responding Definition
7.3 Relational Responding Oreo Example
7.4 Relational Responding Pigeon Non-Example Part 1
7.5 Relational Responding Pigeon Non-Example Part 2
7.6 Relational Responding Pigeon Example
7.7 Sample Relational Responses
7.8 Knowledge Check
7.9 Relational Frame
7.10 Relational Response Example: Fruit Part 1
7.11 Relational Response Example: Fruit Part 2
7.12 Relational Response Example: Balls Part 1
7.13 Relational Response Example: Balls Part 2
7.14 Relational Response Example: Stars Part 1
7.15 Relational Response Example: Stars Part 2
7.16 Relational Response Example: Stars Part 3
7.17 Responding Based on Relative Size
7.18 Relational Response Example: Stars
7.19 Bidirectional Relations
7.20 Mutual Entailment
7.21 Combining Relations
7.22 Relation Between A and B
7.23 Relation Between B and C
7.24 Relation Between A and C
7.25 Combinatorial Entailment
7.26 Stimulus Functions Based on Relation of Size
7.27 Stimulus Functions Based on Relation of Size
7.28 Transformation of Stimulus Functions
7.29 Features of Relational Responding
7.30 Non-Arbitrary Relational Responding
7.31 Arbitrary Relational Responding
7.32 Arbitrary Relations Example: Coins
7.33 Features of Relational Frames
7.34 Arbitrary Relational Response Example: Triangles
7.35 Clue for Arbitrary Relational Response
7.36 Stimulus Functions for Arbitrary Relational Response
7.37 Arbitrary Relational Response
7.38 Features of Arbitrary Relational Response
7.39 Clue for Arbitrary Relational Response
7.40 Contextual Cues for Arbitrary Relational Responses
7.41 Arbitrarily Applicable Relational Responding and Derived Stimulus Relations
7.42 Types of Relational Frames
7.43 Families of Relational Frames
7.44 Knowledge Check
7.45 Review
Lesson 12: Transformation of Stimulus Functions 45 Pages
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/45 Steps
12.1 Concept Map
12.2 Definition of Transformation of Stimulus Functions
12.3 Sample Psychological Functions of Stimuli
12.4 Perceptual Functions of Stimuli
12.5 Multiple Psychological Functions of Stimuli
12.6 Gorilla at the Zoo Stimulus Functions
12.7 Gorilla in Your Bathroom Stimulus Functions
12.8 Bell and Dog Before Conditioning
12.9 Bell and Dog After Conditioning
12.10 Setting and History Affect Function
12.11 Stimulus Relations Affect Functions
12.12 Relation of Opposition Example with Salt and Sugar
12.13 Mutually Entailed Relations of Opposition
12.14 Additional Stimulus Functions for Salt
12.15 Transformed Stimulus Functions for Sugar
12.16 Transformation of Stimulus Functions Example
12.17 Transformation of Stimulus Functions Based on Arbitrary Relations
12.18 Reinforcing Functions for Arbitrary Stimulus
12.19 Arbitrary Relation of More/Less Established
12.20 Transformed Functions Based on More/Less
12.21 Arbitrary Relation of Opposition Established
12.22 Transformed Functions Based on Opposition
12.23 Arbitrary Relation of Equivalence Established
12.24 Transformed Functions Based on Equivalence
12.25 Transformation of Functions is Part of the Relational Response
12.26 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 1
12.27 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 2
12.28 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 3
12.29 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 4
12.30 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 5
12.31 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 6
12.32 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 7
12.33 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 8
12.34 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 9
12.35 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 10
12.36 Example: Fear of Dogs and Chiens Part 11
12.37 Example: Sally and CavityJuice Part 1
12.38 Example: Sally and CavityJuice Part 2
12.39 Example: Sally and CavityJuice Part 3
12.40 Example: Sally and CavityJuice Part 4
12.41 Example: Sally and CavityJuice Part 5
12.42 Example: Sally and CavityJuice Part 6
12.43 Example: Sally and CavityJuice Part 7
12.44 Knowledge Check
12.45 Review
Lesson 15: Implications and Applications 62 Pages
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/62 Steps
15.1 Concept Map
15.2 Derived Stimulus Relations and Language Development
15.3 Applications of RFT
15.4 Language Units and Relational Networks
15.5 Sentences as Relational Networks Part 1
15.6 Sentences as Relational Networks Part 2
15.7 Sentences as Relational Networks Part 3
15.8 Sentences as Relational Networks Part 4
15.9 Stories as Relational Networks
15.10 Other Language Units as Relational Networks
15.11 Relating Sets of Relations
15.12 Analogies as Relating Relations Example Part 1
15.13 Analogies as Relating Relations Example Part 2
15.14 Analogies as Relating Relations Example Part 3
15.15 Analogies as Relating Relations Example Part 4
15.16 Metaphors as Relating Relations Example Part 1
15.17 Metaphors as Relating Relations Example Part 2
15.18 Metaphors as Relating Relations Example Part 3
15.19 Metaphors as Relating Relations Example Part 4
15.20 Metaphors as Relating Relations Example Part 5
15.21 Problem Solving
15.22 Problem Solving Example Part 1
15.23 Problem Solving Example Part 2
15.24 Problem Solving Example Part 3
15.25 Problem Solving Example Part 4
15.26 Problem Solving Example Part 5
15.27 Problem Solving Example Part 6
15.28 Problem Solving Example Part 7
15.29 Problem Solving Example Part 8
15.30 Problem Solving Example Part 9
15.31 Problem Solving Example Part 10
15.32 Problem Solving Example Part 11
15.33 Problem Solving Example Part 12
15.34 Rules and Contingency-Shaped Behavior
15.35 Contingency-Shaped Behavior Example
15.36 Rule-Governed Behavior Example
15.37 Challenge of Understanding Rule-Governed Behavior
15.38 RFT and Rule-Governed Behavior Example Part 1
15.39 RFT and Rule-Governed Behavior Example Part 2
15.40 RFT and Rule-Governed Behavior Example Part 3
15.41 RFT and Rule-Governed Behavior Example Part 4
15.42 RFT and Rule-Governed Behavior Example Part 5
15.43 The Power of Rules
15.44 RFT and the Dark Side of Language
15.45 Harmful Effects of Language
15.46 Dominance of Verbal Relations
15.47 Bidirectional Transformation of Stimulus Functions
15.48 Bidirectional Transformation of Aversive Functions
15.49 Escape and Avoidance of Aversive Words and Thoughts
15.50 Example: Avoiding Anxiety Part 1
15.51 Example: Avoiding Anxiety Part 2
15.52 Example: Avoiding Anxiety Part 3
15.53 Example: Avoiding Anxiety Part 4
15.54 Example: Avoiding Anxiety Part 5
15.55 Rampant Rule Following
15.56 Rule Following and Behavioral Rigidity
15.57 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
15.58 ACT: Loosen or Weaken Verbal Relations
15.59 ACT: Weaken Transformation of Stimulus Functions
15.60 ACT: Limit Rule Following
15.61 Other RFT Applications and Implications
15.62 Review
Final Quiz for An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory
An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory by Eric Fox is © 2004-2026 FoxyLearning LLC. All rights reserved.

Additional information

Total CEUs

7
Format

Multimedia Tutorial
Type of CEU

General

504 reviews for An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT)

  1. Fatima Danishwar
    5 out of 5
    January 19, 2026
    I liked the examples and how it made it easier to understand the concepts. Final quiz was definitely challenging though.
    Rebecca BurdenRebecca J. Burden
    5 out of 5
    August 22, 2025
    This is the best breakdown of RFT into more understandable components that I've encountered so far.
    Kristyn Off
    5 out of 5
    August 5, 2025
    Quality information in an easy and engaging delivery.
    Zakiyyah CordellZakiyyah Cordell
    4 out of 5
    June 21, 2025
    For anyone planning to use the RFT based learning materials and assessment from ACT, AIM, and PEAK, this is a necessity to really get a better understanding of the materials, why they are important and how to use them to their fullest potential. Please be patient with yourself, some of the material will require a few rewatches to really understand the meaning.
    Molly SchumannMolly Schumann
    5 out of 5
    June 14, 2025
    Engaging, interactive, self paced, and absorbing.
    Stephanie WackStephanie Wack
    5 out of 5
    May 6, 2025
    Awesome and fairly simple to follow!
    Matthew Berg
    4 out of 5
    May 2, 2025
    This course was easy to follow along and was very informative, I would highly recommend.
    Mary Arbaugh
    5 out of 5
    February 8, 2025
    Great Course Highly recommanded
    Christina CaputoChristina Caputo
    5 out of 5
    November 13, 2024
    A ton of information provided in a clear, interactive manner.
    Bailee CaseyBailee Casey
    5 out of 5
    October 30, 2024
    This training was very informative and useful.
    Nancy BrownNancy Brown
    5 out of 5
    September 4, 2024
    I wish I had found you sooner! The examples made the content easier to understand and the snippets of humor kept me engaged !!
    Shabnam Jaramillo
    5 out of 5
    June 28, 2024
    The illustrations and examples really made this topic understandable.
    Bryanna MadrigalBryanna Madrigal
    5 out of 5
    April 25, 2024
    Loved the layout of this course. The self paced modules were advantageous . I understood all the concepts and recommend this CEU to all my friends.
    AnonymousKailah Jones
    4 out of 5
    April 25, 2024
    Very informative overview of RFT but maybe more in-depth of how to apply
    Jaelyn Allen
    5 out of 5
    January 13, 2024
    If you're looking for a great introduction to RFT like the description says, this is a great place to start. I was already familiar with RFT, but the concepts that it taught in this covered were the ones that RFT is made up of. I thought they were very well explained and enjoyed the layout of this module. It was very informative and though there was a lot of information, it was made easily relatable. This is a great introduction module.
    Michelle
    5 out of 5
    December 15, 2023
    The training was interesting, informative, and inspirational. Thank you!
    Maggie
    5 out of 5
    December 12, 2023
    This was a great introduction to relational frame theory. Lots for good content with many of examples of application.
    Amber Hughes
    5 out of 5
    November 25, 2023
    This module was easy to complete even with a toddler running around. My 2 year old enjoyed the pictures too.
    Skye Scholander
    5 out of 5
    November 2, 2023
    I found this module to be an excellent overview and review of the RFT concepts. It was very systematic and thorough. I liked the visual framework provided for the relations between the concept discussed and the use of this chart to create a path through the material. Thanks!
    isabellemallia.muscatisabellemallia.muscat
    5 out of 5
    October 3, 2023
    I really enjoyed how this course was structured and how all the important components were broken down. Very easy to follow examples and good questions at the end of the modules.

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Three framed drawings with letters R, F, T
An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT)
4.55 out of 5
(504)

$69.99