Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Chapter 25: Behavioral Contract


How is the technique implemented?

Behavioral contracts provide an opportunity for two or more individuals to create a contract of what behaviors they find beneficial in an attempt to eliminate the negative behaviors.  These contracts can seek to achieve a target behavior for one or both parties involved in the contract in order to ensure that progress is being made and noticed.  The first step in implementing a contract is to identify the target behavior.  These contracts typically also include how the client will feel when they have achieved a successful performance at participating in the target behavior.

What type of situation can the technique be applied to?

This technique can be applied to a widespread group of issues but the one that stands out the most is a scenario where there are incongruent beliefs regarding a behavior between two parties.  A contract can be formed to create a target behavior that both parties feel is appropriate.  Using this technique in this manner is a terrific way of developing compromise and the expectations of one another.

What is your opinion of the technique?

I see this technique as a very good way for a counselor to help individuals involved in a relationship to see the other side of an argument and try to develop a middle ground.  Overall, the technique is something that could help a client modify their behavior so that they appease others.  On that note, there is danger in using this technique because sometimes the presentation of a contract could be seen as an ultimatum or pressure one end of the contract forcing resistance or client behavior that is forced or not genuine.

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