Working With Values: An Overview of Approaches and Considerations in Implementation

Acceptance and commitment training (ACT) has received support for addressing a number of difficulties within clinical behavior analysis, organizational settings, caregiver support, and other behavior change efforts. ACT is distinguished from many other approaches in its emphasis on values: aspects of life that clients find meaningful and important. Working with values lets behavior analysts draw on the functional properties of language to influence behavior. These techniques can help organize behavior to be influenced by long-term reinforcers, even in the face of short-term aversives, which may arise in the course of behavior change. Many exercises have been developed within the values arena with various strengths and limitations. This article provides an overview of commonly used approaches and aspects relevant to implementation. Considerations related to scope of practice, social desirability in responding, and aversive private events are also discussed.