Behavioral Contracts - Key Concepts

Flashcards cover the definition, purpose, components, types, applications, negotiation, and mechanisms behind Behavioral Contracts.

What is a Behavioral Contract?

A written agreement identifying a specific level of a target behavior and the consequences for the behavior; also called a contingency contract.

What is another name for a Behavioral Contract?

Contingency contract.

What do Behavioral contracts constitute in terms of reinforcement or punishment?

A systematic application of reinforcement or punishment.

What is the primary purpose of Behavioral contracts regarding target behavior?

To increase or decrease a target behavior.

Who is typically identified to implement the contingency in a Behavioral Contract?

The contract manager.

What purpose do Behavioral contracts serve in relation to the contingency?

They help prevent short circuiting the contingency.

What is identified in the first component of a Behavioral Contract?

The target behavior and the criterion level (clarifies expectations and functions as goal setting).

What is identified in the second component of a Behavioral Contract?

How the behavior will be measured (eliminates ambiguity about whether the behavior occurred).

What is identified in the third component of a Behavioral Contract?

When the behavior must occur (a time frame is specified).

What is identified in the fourth component of a Behavioral Contract?

The consequences (positive/negative reinforcement to increase or positive/negative punishment to decrease).

Who typically implements the contingency according to the fifth component?

The contract manager (or a significant other).

What is specified in the sixth component of a Behavioral Contract?

Signatures by the client and contract manager (public commitment).

What is a One party contract?

A contract where one person desires behavior change, written with a contract manager.

What is a Two party contract?

A contract between two people desiring mutually beneficial behavior change (e.g., spouses, parent/child, coworkers).

What is a Parallel Contract?

Two independent contracts, one for each party.

What is a Quid Pro Quo Contract?

The behavior change of one party serves as the reinforcer for the other party and vice-versa.

List some common applications of Behavioral Contracts.

Weight loss; Exercise; Studying/academic performance; Couples therapy and family therapy; Any self-management problem.

What should be agreed upon when negotiating a Behavioral Contract?

An attainable level of the target behavior and a meaningful consequence.

What may be required for a two party contract to work effectively?

Compromise for both parties to achieve benefit.

What does negotiating a two party contract often require?

Advanced training.

Why do Behavioral Contracts work?

Because of reinforcement/punishment, public commitment and social support, and rule-governed behavior.

How do Behavioral Contracts relate to rule-governed behavior?

Stating the contingency cues the target behavior.

What is an Establishing Operation in the context of Behavioral Contracts?

Stating the contingency generates anxiety (an establishing operation).

How does engaging in the target behavior affect anxiety in this context?

It decreases anxiety via negative reinforcement.