Psychology Department: Applied Behavioral Analysis Speaker Series

Guest Speaker

Please join the Psychology Department in welcoming, featured speaker Dr. Tom Szabo from the Florida Institute of Technology. Dr. Szabo is joining us as part of the Psychology department's Applied Behavior Analysis Speaker Series and will be discussing Relational Frame Theory.

Abstract: Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a behavioral approach to language and cognition that extends Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. Historically, Skinner’s analysis was the first to examine the functional operants involved in language acquisition and use. Other behavioral approaches have since tried to extend the analysis to explain generative verbal behavior as it occurs fruitfully in creative responding and non-optimally in psychopathological behavior. Clinical RFT offers behavior analysis a set of conceptual tools from which to create new interventions that improve social behavior, perspective-taking, behavioral flexibility. Some forms of applied RFT attempt to promote compassionate behavior in groups working together in volatile settings. In this Speaker Series event, Dr. Szabo will discuss findings in the experimental analysis of human behavior, clinical applications derived from this body of research, and the data that support these interventions.

Tom Szabo, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Dr. Tom Szabo is a doctoral level board certified behavior analyst, assistant professor and Southern California site director of Florida Institute of Technology’s Hybrid Master’s Program in Professional Behavior Analysis. If that title wasn’t enough to confuse you, try this on: Dr. Szabo has research interests in teaching children with autism and their parents skills that lead to behavioral flexibility using clinical applications of relational frame theory. He has a strong interest in developing prosocial teams that work effectively in challenging environments and has conducted prosocial behavioral flexibility workshops to improve team dynamics in diverse workplace settings.Child Development (1995) (which was translated into Japanese), and Introduction to Scientific Psychology (1998). He is a past editor of The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and The Behavior Analyst, and on the editorial boards of several other journals. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.

*Talk sponsored by the Master's program in Behavioral Clinical Psychology

Communication services (sign language interpreters, note takers, real-time captionists, or assistive listening devices) are available for this event. Requests for services must be submitted at least five (5) working days in advance.