EM

Behavioral Contracts - Key Concepts

Definition and overview

  • A Behavioral Contract is a written agreement identifying:
    • a specific level of a target behavior, and
    • the consequences for the behavior.
  • It is also called a contingency contract.
  • It constitutes a systematic application of reinforcement or punishment.
  • It is used to increase or decrease a target behavior.
  • It makes a contingency more salient.
  • It identifies a contract manager to implement the contingency.
  • It helps prevent short circuiting the contingency.

Components of a Behavioral Contract

  1. Identify the target behavior and criterion level
    • Makes expectations clear
    • Functions as goal setting
  2. State how the behavior will be measured
    • Eliminates ambiguity about whether or not the behavior occurred
  3. State when the behavior must occur
    • A time frame is specified in the contract
  4. Identify the consequences
    • Positive or negative reinforcement to increase a target behavior
    • Positive or negative punishment to decrease a target behavior
  5. Identify who will implement the contingency
    • Typically implemented by the contract manager
    • May be implemented by a significant other
  6. Signatures
    • The client and contract manager sign the contract
    • Serves as a form of public commitment for the client

Types of Behavioral Contracts

  • One party contract
    • One person desires behavior change
    • Written with a contract manager
  • Two party contract
    • Two people (or parties) desire mutually beneficial behavior change
    • May involve spouses, parent and child, coworkers
  • Parallel Contract
    • Two independent contracts, one for each party
  • Quid Pro Quo Contract
    • The behavior change of one party serves as the reinforcer for the behavior change of the other party and vice-versa

Applications of Behavioral Contracts

  • Weight loss
  • Exercise
  • Studying / academic performance
  • Couples therapy and family therapy
  • Any self management problem

Negotiating a Behavioral Contract

  • Agree on an attainable level of the target behavior
  • Agree on a meaningful consequence
    • Must be enough to motivate the client
  • For a two party contract, the parties must often compromise for both to achieve benefit from the contract
  • Negotiating a two party contract often requires advanced training

Why Do Behavioral Contracts Work?

  • Reinforcement/Punishment
  • Public commitment and social support
  • Rule governed behavior – Stating the contingency cues the target behavior
  • Creates an establishing operation – Stating the contingency generates anxiety – Engaging in the target behavior decreases anxiety (negative reinforcement)
  • Additional note: The contract helps formalize expectations, increases salience of the target behaviors, and can reduce ambiguity that might otherwise undermine behavior change.