Research on Clinical Applications in Contextual Behavioural Science

Contextual Behavioural Science (CBS) is a systematic and pragmatic approach to understanding behaviour, solving human problems, and promoting human growth and development. It uses functional principles and theories to analyse and influence actions through their context. The goal of CBS is to predict and influence behaviour with precision, scope, and depth across all behavioural domains and levels of analysis, ultimately creating a behavioural science that meets the challenges of the human condition.

Thomas Parling, Daniel Wallsten, Essi Sairanen and Elin Ekholm

CBS also serves as the foundation for Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). RFT provides a theoretical framework for understanding language and cognition from a behavioural point of view. ACT is a therapeutic approach that stems from CBS and is informed by RFT. It focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility, which involves being open to experiences, staying present, and committing to actions that align with one’s values.

Our research focuses on several clinically-oriented interventions based on Relational Frame Theory (RFT), with a primary emphasis on small-scale idiographic designs, such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Single Case Experimental Designs. This approach allows us to maintain scientific rigor, account for multiple pathways, non-linearity, minimize resource use, and maximize the ethical cost-benefit ratio.

We currently have two ongoing projects:

  • I SEE ME (Immersive Self-Evaluation and Exploration through Means of External perspective). We are developing a Virtual Reality intervention where participants experience 3D-filmed, real-life versions of themselves through a virtual reality headset while responding to perspective-taking cues. This technique aims to disrupt maladaptive patterns of self-relating. Previous studies involved healthy participants and individuals with depressive symptoms. We are now exploring its application in a population with eating disorders. Data will be collected in the fall of 2024 and the spring of 2025.
     
  • Process-Based Behaviour Therapy (PBBT). PBBT is a set of psychological treatment principles rooted in recent developments in RFT. Our study focuses on the feasibility and effectiveness of PBBT. Data on feasibility have been collected, while effectiveness data are still being gathered.

Pervious projects

  • Process-Based Behaviour Therapy (PBBT). PBBT is a set of psychological treatment principles rooted in recent developments in RFT. Our study focuses on the feasibility and effectiveness of PBBT. Data on feasibility have been collected, while effectiveness data are still being gathered.
     
  • ACTFöräldrar: In this project, we investigated the outcomes of a web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention for parents of children with chronic disease or functional disabilities. The project was conducted in collaboration with Region Värmland, the University of Jyväskylä, and Tampere University of Technology.

Publications

  • Sairanen, E., Wallsten, D., Dermot, B. H., & Tillfors, M. (2023). What if you could see yourself with my eyes? A Pilot Study of the Impact of a Virtual Reality-environment on Relational Responding to Sel. International journal of psychology and psychological therapy, 23(1), 31-41.
  • Sairanen, E., Lappalainen, R., Lappalainen, P., & Hiltunen, A. (2022). Effects of an online acceptance and commitment therapy intervention on children’s quality of life. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 31(4), 1079-1093.
  • Sairanen, E., Lappalainen, P., & Hiltunen, A. (2018). Psychological inflexibility explains distress in parents whose children have chronic conditions. PloS one, 13(7), e0201155.
  • Sairanen, E., Lappalainen, R., Lappalainen, P., Kaipainen, K., Carlstedt, F., Anclair, M., & Hiltunen, A. (2019). Effectiveness of a web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention for wellbeing of parents whose children have chronic conditions: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 13, 94-102.
  • Sairanen, E., Lappalainen, R., Lappalainen, P., & Hiltunen, A. (2020). Mediators of change in online acceptance and commitment therapy for psychological symptoms of parents of children with chronic conditions: An investigation of change processes. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, 123-130.
     

Members

  • Essi Sairanen, PhD, Karlstads universitet
  • Daniel Wallsten, PhD, Karlstads universitet
  • Elin Ekholm, PhD, Karlstads universitet
  • Thomas Parling, PhD, Karolinska institutet
Thomas Parling, Daniel Wallsten, Essi Sairanen and Elin Ekholm