Chapter 20 - Self-Management

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 20: Self-Management, including definitions, strategies, steps, and common problems.

What is Self-Management?

The process by which an individual uses behavior modification procedures to change his or her own behavior.

Self-management problems typically involve which two categories of behavior?

Behavioral excesses (overdoing) and behavioral deficits (underdoing).

Provide two examples of self-management problems mentioned in the notes.

Lori drinks too much; Tom swears too much; David doesn’t study enough; Larry doesn’t exercise enough.

In self-management, what is meant by 'controlling behavior'?

The self-management strategy used in the present to influence the target behavior in the future.

What is the 'target' (controlled) behavior in a self-management program?

The behavior to be changed in the self-management plan.

Name the six self-management strategies listed.

Goal setting and self-monitoring; Antecedent manipulations; Arranging reinforcers and punishers (including behavioral contracts); Social support; Self-instructions and self-praise.

What does goal-setting and self-monitoring entail?

Goals must be attainable; write goals and tell others; goal setting motivates and makes attainment reinforcing; self-monitoring shows progress and can be reactive.

What are antecedent manipulations focused on?

Desirable behavior and competing behavior.

What is involved in arranging reinforcers and punishers in self-management?

Providing consequences for desirable and competing behaviors; following through is essential; use behavioral contracts; contracts can be arranged with a contract manager or implemented by oneself.

What is the role of social support in self-management?

Involving others to prompt and reinforce desirable behavior, model it, and help prevent short-circuiting; spend time with people who exert stimulus control.

What are self-instructions and self-praise?

Tools to guide behavior; remind yourself of the desirable behavior and its consequences; recognize accomplishments and praise yourself.

Step 1 in the Steps of Self-Management

Make the decision to do it (commitment).

Step 2 in the Steps of Self-Management

Define target behaviors and competing behaviors.

Step 3 in the Steps of Self-Management

Set a goal (or series of goals).

Step 4 in the Steps of Self-Management

Develop a self-monitoring plan and begin self-monitoring.

Step 5 in the Steps of Self-Management

Conduct a functional assessment of the antecedents and consequences of the target behavior and alternative behaviors.

Step 6 in the Steps of Self-Management

Implement appropriate self-management strategies based on the functional assessment information.

Step 7 in the Steps of Self-Management

Evaluate change from baseline once self-management strategies are implemented.

Step 8 in the Steps of Self-Management

Modify self-management strategies if necessary.

Step 9 in the Steps of Self-Management

Implement maintenance strategies to keep the change going over time.

Common Problem: Unclear descriptions of antecedents and consequences

In the functional assessment, leading to ineffective interventions.

Common Problem: Unclear descriptions of intervention procedures

Examples like 'I’ll just make myself do it' or 'I’ll work harder to stop it'—procedures aren’t clearly specified.

Common Problem: Procedures aren’t practical

Too much money, time, or effort required.

Common Problem: Procedures aren’t based on functional assessment

Lack of information from functional assessment weakens effectiveness.

Common Problem: Consequences are too delayed to be effective

Delay reduces impact on behavior.

Common Problem: Consequences are too weak or easily short-circuited

Weak or easily undermined consequences reduce efficacy.