A contextual behavioral approach to the study of (persecutory) delusions

Stewart, C., Stewart, I. and Hughes, S. (2016) A contextual behavioral approach to the study of (persecutory) delusions. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 5(4), pp. 235-246. (doi: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2016.09.002)

Abstract

Throughout the past century the topic of delusions has mainly been studied by researchers operating at the mental level of analysis. According to this perspective, delusional beliefs, as well as their emergence and persistence, stem from an interplay between (dysfunctional) mental representations and processes. Our paper aims to provide a starting point for researchers and clinicians interested in examining the topic of delusions from a functional-analytic perspective. We begin with a brief review of the research literature with a particular focus on persecutory delusions. Thereafter we introduce Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS), Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and a behavioral phenomenon known as arbitrarily applicable relational responding (AARR). Drawing upon AARR, and recent empirical developments within CBS, we argue that (persecutory) delusions may be conceptualized, studied and influenced using a functional-analytic approach. We consider future directions for research in this area as well as clinical interventions aimed at influencing delusions and their expression.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stewart, Dr Corinna
• Authors: Stewart, C., Stewart, I., and Hughes, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 2212-1447
• ISSN (Online): 2212-1455
• Published Online: 04 September 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
• First Published: First published in Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science 5(4):235-246
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher