The development of the CQ: Communication Quotient™ Integrated Model of Communication is informed by the theoretical framework of Relational Framing. Relational Framing refers to the cognitive process through which individuals establish connections and relationships between stimuli, events or experiences based on their contextual relationships (Hayes et al., 2001). It enables individuals to understand the meaning of words, symbols and gestures within the broader framework of communication.

The CQ: Communication Quotient™ Integrated Model aims to achieve a balance between the cognitive and relational aspects of communication through the framework of Relational Framing. By using language to interpret their context, individuals can identify commonalities and differences within various settings, make assumptions, draw inferences and construct a complex worldview. CQ: Communication Quotient™ serves as a fundamental tool for communication, enabling the conveyance of thoughts, ideas and emotions through symbolic systems like words, grammar and syntax. Relational Framing, in turn, refers to how the individuals organize and interpret relationships between stimuli involving pattern recognition and connection-making abilities (Barsalou, 2008).

Language and CQ: Communication Quotient™ are closely intertwined with Relational Framing, as the meaning of language often depends on the relationship between words or phrases. For instance, the word “apple” gains significance through its connection to other words such as “fruit” (Murphy, 2002).The CQ: Communication Quotient™ Integrated Model places particular emphasis on developing language skills for framing relationships between ideas or concepts. During communication, individuals employ language to highlight or downplay certain aspects of a situation and establish connections between ideas. These framing techniques can significantly influence how the message is interpreted by the listener and can be used to shape attitudes, behaviors and beliefs.

Hayes, S. C., Barnes-Holmes, D., & Roche, B. (Eds.). (2001). Relational frame theory: A post-Skinnerian account of human language and cognition. Springer Science & Business Media.

Barsalou, L. W. (2008). Grounded cognition. Annual Review of Psychology, 59, 617-645. doi: 10.1146/annurev.psych.59.103006.093639

Murphy, G. L. (2002). The big book of concepts. MIT Press.