Humor plays a pivotal role in social interaction (Jackson et al., 2021), yet many individuals struggle with understanding and creating jokes effectively (Persicke et al., 2013). This workshop explores the application of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) as a framework for teaching humor comprehension and production skills. RFT, rooted in radical behaviorism, explains how humans derive meaning through the relational networks between stimuli. By applying RFT principles to humor, this workshop aims to enhance individuals' ability to perceive and generate jokes by emphasizing the cognitive processes, such as relational framing, underlying humor appreciation.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will identify incongruities in verbal and visual contexts.
  2. Participants will describe common humor patterns (e.g., double meanings, perspective shifts, rule violations).
  3. Participants will generate novel comedic associations by applying relational framing strategies.

About the Presenter

Celia L. Heyman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has been providing behavior analytic services to learners ranging from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Celia is a faculty with Capella’s applied behavior analysis graduate program. She is a lead consultant and a predoctoral fellow at FTF Behavioral Consulting, under the mentorship of Drs. Anthony Cammilleri and Greg Hanley. Her clinical work focuses on the dissemination of trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive technology to addressing problem behaviors. Her research interests include equivalence-based instruction, relational frame theory, and acceptance commitment training. In her spare time, Celia enjoys championing and supporting aspiring behavior analysts by providing free resources and tutoring help through the ABA Study Group, a Facebook group that now has over 54,00 members worldwide.
Trudy Georgio began her career in applied behavior analysis in 2010 and has served in roles across the service delivery continuum, from Behavior Technician to Board Certified Behavior Analyst Supervisor, with experience in home, school, clinic, and community settings. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis at Bay Path University and is dedicated to preparing future behavior analysts by connecting clinical experience with rigorous training in the science of behavior. Dr. Georgio earned her doctorate from Texas A&M University, where her work focused on teaching language to students with autism spectrum disorder. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral and has presented at invited sessions, symposia, and workshops at regional and national conferences. She has also co-authored peer-reviewed publications. Her scholarship and professional interests include assent-based instruction, joint attention training, and complex verbal behavior.

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