1. Helping an Individual to Develop Self-Control
Chapter 26
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2. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Self-Control
Process by which an individual deliberately alters or changes his or her behavior to achieve a specific goal
Synonyms: self-modification, self-management
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3. Causes of Self-Control Problems
Problems of Behavioral Excesses
Immediate reinforcers versus delayed punishers for a behavior
Immediate reinforcers versus cumulatively significant punishers for a behavior
Immediate reinforcers for problem behavior versus delayed reinforcers for alternative desired behavior
Problems of Behavioral Deficiencies
Immediate small punishers for a behavior versus reinforcers that are cumulatively significant
Immediate small punisher for behavior versus immediate but highly improbable major punisher if the behavior does not occur
Immediate small punisher for a behavior versus a delayed major punisher if the behavior does not occur
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4. A Model for Self-Control
Clear specification of the problem as a behavior to be controlled
Application of behavioral techniques to manage the problem
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5. A Model for Self-Control
Figure 26.1 – A model for self-control. “This means emitting a controlling behavior to effect a change in a behavior to be controlled (Skinner, 1953). See Figure 26-1.” (page 323)
Emitting a controlling behavior to effect a change in a behavior to be controlled
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6. Steps in Self-Control Program
Specify problem and set goals
What do you want to change and how will you know success?
Make a commitment to change
Statements and actions that indicate that you want to change
Write out advantages to change and post in a visible space
Make it public
Incorporate frequent reminders of your commitment in your environment
Conduct assessment
When, where, and how does a problem behavior occur?
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7. Steps in Self-Control Program
Design and implement a program
Manage antecedents – what are the causes?
Instructions – use self-instructions
Modeling – find someone who is good at behavior and observe
Physical guidance – may use physical barriers to avoid some behaviors
Immediate surroundings – may need to change
Other people – may need to change
Time of day – may need to change what you do at certain times
Manage the behavior – for complex behaviors, need to focus on the behavior itself; may need to conduct task analysis and have mastery criteria
Manage consequences – eliminate reinforcers of negative behaviors
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8. Steps in Self-Control Program
Prevent relapse and make gains last
Be sure to define behavior clearly
If these are long-term goals, have intermittent short-term goals to check progress
Do not overdo it
Try to avoid setback situations
If can’t recognize setback situations in advance, have coping strategies
Do not overreact to setbacks
Avoid counterproductive self-talk
Incorporate everyday rewards into the program
In programs where consequences are only cumulatively significant, plan post-checks and have specific strategies to follow if the post-checks are unfavorable
Practice self-control strategies to improve additional behaviors
Involve supportive others
Sign a behavioral contract with supportive others
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Behavioral Contract
Serves at least four important stimulus control functions:
Ensures all parties agree to goals and procedures
Ensures that all parties agree on how close they are to reaching the goals
Provides the client with a realistic estimate of the cost of the program to him or her in time, effort, and money
Signatures help ensure that all parties will follow procedures
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10. Contract Troubleshooting Guide
The Contract
Was the target behavior specified clearly?
If the target behavior was complex, did the contract ask for small approximations to the desired behavior?
Were specific deadlines identified for the target behavior?
Did the contract clearly identify situations where the target behavior should occur?
Did the contract provide for immediate reinforcement? Are the reinforcers still important and valuable?
Could reinforcers be earned often?
Did the contract call for and reward accomplishment rather than obedience?
Was the contract phrased in a positive way?
Do you consider the contract to be fair and in your best interests?
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11. Contract Troubleshooting Guide
The Mediator (your co-signer)
Did the mediator understand the contract?
Did the mediator dispense the kind and amount of reinforcement specified in the contract?
Did the mediator meet with you on the dates specified in the contract?
Is a new mediator required?
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12. Contract Troubleshooting Guide
Measurement
Are the data accurate?
Is your data collection system too complex or too difficult?
Does your data collection system clearly reflect your progress in achieving the target behavior?
Do you need to improve your data collection system?
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