Episode 46: Tackling Disability Stigma with Relational Frame Theory with Dr. Rocco Catrone, Ph.D., BCBA-D

In this episode, Ben chats with Rocco Catrone, Ph.D., BCBA-D about his work in applying relational frame theory (RFT) to stigma towards individuals with disabilities. The conversation starts by looking at some of the societal phenomena that contribute to stigma followed by an RFT analysis of stigma and a discussion of a basic research experiment toward reducing perceptions of stigma.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): https://cbiconsultants.com/shop

• BACB: 1.5 Learning


• IBAO: 1.5 Cultural


• QABA: 1.5 DEI

Trigger Warning:

In this episode, we discuss several topics related to stigma that may be triggering to some. The following are approximate times when these topics are discussed:

 17:40: Othering

 25:50: Simulation Exercises

 31:00: Inspiration Porn

 37:00: Assisted Suicide/Abortion

 47:20: Discussion Ends

General Information:

• Dr. Rocco Catrone: https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/faculty-finder/byname/rocco_catrone

Show Notes:

• Giant Steps of Ilinois: https://www.mygiantsteps.org 


• Stella Young - Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw 


• Love On The Spectrum: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81265493 


• Inclusion BC: https://inclusionbc.org 

The Behaviour Speak Podcast Episodes Referenced:

• Episode 21: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-21-the-effects-of-empathy-training-on-racial-bias-and-other-research-from-dr-victoria-suarez-phd-bcba-d 


• Episode 26: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-26-smashing-the-patriarchy-a-conversation-about-sexism-and-privilege-in-behaviour-analysis-with-dr-natalia-baires-phd-bcba-d


• Episode 28: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-28-including-autistic-people-in-every-aspect-of-autism-research-with-dr-m-ariel-cascio-phd 


• Episode 35: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-35-staff-training-and-supervision-with-dr-dennis-reid-phd-bcba-d


• Episode 38: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-38-what-we-can-do-about-stigma-and-racism-using-behaviour-science-with-dr-marija-colic-phd-bcba-d

Articles Referenced:

• Catrone, R.G., & Koch, D.S. (2021). A behavioral approach to increasing perceptions of capability toward people with disabilities. Behavior and Social Issues, 30, 39–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42822-021-00059-x


• Čolić, M. (2021). Clarification of stigma concepts in research with families of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2021.1989978 


• Dixon, M.R., Rehfeldt, R.A., Zlomke, K.R., et al. (2006). Exploring the development and dismantling of equivalence classes involving terrorist stimuli. Psychological Record, 56, 83–103. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395539


• McGill, P., Bradshaw, J., Smyth, G., Hurman, M. & Roy, A. (2020). "Capable environments", Tizard Learning Disability Review, 25(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-05-2020-0007