Behavior Chain Analysis

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Behavior chain analysis is a tool used in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help people understand why they acted a certain way. Rather than focusing only on a problem behavior, your clients will analyze what happened before the behavior and how these events are connected. By looking at each preceding step and identifying patterns, a person can see where things went wrong and what they can do differently in the future.

Our Behavior Chain Analysis: DBT skill worksheet includes psychoeducation about how to complete the technique effectively and a fill-in portion for practice. The fill-in portion may be printed multiple times to address more instances of a problem behavior.

After completing a chain analysis with your client, help them spot patterns and identify alternative behaviors and coping skills that may break the chain. Oftentimes, it’s easier to make changes earlier in the chain of events, rather than waiting until the breaking point.

Additionally, you may choose to continue the chain after the problem behavior to explore consequences. This can motivate clients who are ambivalent about making changes.