This study aims to systematically review the global trends in developmental
disability research applying Relational Frame Theory (RFT). Initially, 1,405
research articles were searched, and following the PRISMA procedure, 58 studies
focusing on developmental disabilities within the context of RFT were ultimately
selected for analysis. This research meticulously examined the publication year,
journal name, characteristics of participants, dependent variables, independent
variables, research settings, and experimental designs of the selected studies.
The analysis of the global trends in RFT-based developmental disability research
revealed that studies span a variety of developmental disability types, with
derived relational responding and verbal operants among the primary dependent
variables, and RFT-based instructional strategies frequently serving as
independent variables. The research settings were predominantly in schools and
therapy rooms, with most participants being children and adolescents diagnosed
with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through this study, it was confirmed that RFT
provides a significant theoretical and practical foundation for supporting
language and cognitive development in the field of developmental disabilities.
Based on the findings, the study suggests the need for expanding the scope and
deepening the theoretical exploration of RFT-related research, discussing the
limitations of the current study and directions for future research.