Profile of Dr. Francisco J. Ruiz
Academic Background
Doctor of Psychology
2009University of Almeria
Doctoral Thesis: "Experimental Analysis of Analogical Reasoning"
Grade: Outstanding Cum Laude
Supervisor: Dr. Carmen Luciano
Master's in Functional Analysis in Clinical and Health Contexts
2007University of Almeria
International Expert in Clinical Psychology
2005Spanish Association of Behavioral Psychology
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
2004National University of Distance Education (UNED)
Professional Career
Francisco J. Ruiz obtained his Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Almeria (Spain), where he had the privilege of training under the mentorship of Dr. Carmen Luciano, a key figure in the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT) in the Spanish-speaking world. Between 2005 and 2011, he developed his research work in the laboratory led by Dr. Luciano, a pioneering space that paved the way for ACT and RFT research for an entire generation of Spanish-speaking researchers.
After completing his doctorate, he gained academic experience at various Spanish universities until, in 2015, he accepted a position as professor at the Konrad Lorenz University Foundation (Colombia). There he has played a fundamental role in leading the creation of one of the first Doctoral Programs in Psychology in the country, a task that has earned him the recognition of "Distinguished Researcher" from the institution on two occasions.
Currently, Dr. Ruiz is part of the Clinical Psychology Laboratory (Clinik Lab) at the Konrad Lorenz University Foundation, the most active laboratory with the highest scientific production in ACT and RFT in the Spanish-speaking world. His prolific career includes over 120 scientific articles, about fifteen book chapters, and the supervision of seven doctoral theses.
In recent years, together with his colleagues, he has developed an innovative ACT model focused on dismantling dysfunctional patterns of repetitive negative thinking (RNT). Named RNT-focused ACT, this model incorporates both conceptual and empirical research in RFT, representing a significant contribution to the field.
Awards and Recognition
Juan Alberto Aragon Distinguished Researcher
2021Konrad Lorenz University Foundation
Honorary Member
2020Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)
Juan Alberto Aragon Distinguished Researcher
2018Konrad Lorenz University Foundation
Development of the RNT-focused ACT Model
Dr. Ruiz is the lead developer of the innovative RNT-focused ACT model, which represents a unique contribution to the field of contextual therapies. This model systematically integrates RFT conceptualization and research within the ACT framework, enabling the development of briefer and more effective interventions that explicitly connect basic language and cognition science with specific clinical applications.
The model has solid empirical support from over 30 clinical studies conducted across diverse populations, including adults, adolescents, and children. It has been validated across multiple clinical conditions, such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and other emotional disorders, demonstrating clinically significant and sustained results over time.
Currently, ongoing research is comparing the efficacy of RNT-focused ACT versus other validated interventions, including standard ACT, in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, with very promising preliminary results suggesting differential advantages of the model.
Main Contributions
Brief Intervention Protocols
He has led the creation and validation of ultra-brief 1 to 4 session interventions that have demonstrated high efficacy across various emotional disorders, showing that clinically significant results can be achieved with more accessible and efficient formats.
Cognitive Defusion Processes
He has conducted pioneering research on the relational processes involved in cognitive defusion and its effect on modifying the function of thought, rather than its content. This work has significantly contributed to the theoretical understanding and practical application of this central process in ACT.
Clinical Analogies and Metaphors
Through experimental analogs, he has investigated the relational processes that maximize the therapeutic impact of metaphors in clinical practice, providing empirical evidence for their strategic use.
Development and Adaptation of Psychometric Instruments
He has adapted numerous scales used in Contextual Therapies and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Spanish. Additionally, he has led the development of pioneering scales for measuring generalized patterns of rule-following, filling an important gap in clinical assessment.
Basic Research in RFT
His work in basic science includes analysis of derivation and transformation of relational functions, covering topics such as analogies and metaphors, transformation of elicitation and avoidance functions, and transformation of functions through hierarchical relations, among others.
RNT as a Transdiagnostic Process
His research on repetitive negative thinking as a transdiagnostic process in emotional disorders has opened new avenues for developing more efficient, parsimonious interventions based on specific change mechanisms.