This comparison draws in part from “ACTraining and Unconscious Racism: Implications for White Practitioners to ACT” by Katelyn Kendrick, M.Ed., BCBA, QBA, IBA (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For actraining and unconscious racism: implications for white practitioners to act, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary mechanism of change | ACT-based: Developing psychological flexibility to engage with discomfort and take values-consistent action despite bias | Traditional: Increasing knowledge about racial history, systemic racism, and cultural differences |
| Approach to biased thoughts | ACT-based: Observe thoughts without judgment or suppression; defuse from their content while choosing values-based behavior | Traditional: Challenge and replace biased thoughts with more accurate or equitable beliefs |
| Role of discomfort | ACT-based: Discomfort is expected and accepted as part of the growth process; avoidance of discomfort is identified as a barrier | Traditional: Discomfort may be minimized or managed through reassurance; defensive reactions may be addressed through reframing |
| Sustainability | ACT-based: Develops ongoing skills and practices that support continued engagement over time | Traditional: Knowledge may fade without reinforcement; behavior change may not persist without ongoing environmental support |
| Behavioral focus | ACT-based: Emphasizes committed action, specific observable behaviors aligned with anti-racist values | Traditional: May emphasize attitude change with less specificity about what behavioral changes are expected |
| Theoretical alignment with behavior analysis | ACT-based: Grounded in Relational Frame Theory and contextual behavioral science, consistent with behavior analytic principles | Traditional: Often grounded in social psychology or organizational development, may not align with behavior analytic conceptual framework |
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Use this framework when approaching actraining and unconscious racism: implications for white practitioners to act in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
ACTraining and Unconscious Racism: Implications for White Practitioners to ACT — Katelyn Kendrick · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $19.99
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
256 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $19.99 · BehaviorLive
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.