PLANNING AND WRITING A MOTIVATIONAL CONTRACT

 Introduction

Use the following steps to write a successful motivational contract.  It is important to have the full cooperation of the target person (which can include yourself).  This type of contract is best used when you are trying to change some persistent habit.  It can also be done quite informally.  However, being familiar with the following more elaborate procedure can help you use reinformcements more effectively even when done quickly and informally even for one situation.

1.   Defining the Target Behavior.  Carefully define the behavior(s) to be changed and the situation(s) in which it occurs. Define the behavior so that it may be counted or measured.

 

Situation(s) / Cues Discriminative Stimuli	Target Behaviors	Consequences (social material, internal, etc.) Reinforcers/Punishers
External Cues (where, when, social situation, smells, sounds, sights, cues) Internal Cues (values, beliefs, thoughts, images, emotions, etc.)	Old Behaviors  (Undesireable behaviors)       New Behaviors    (New behaviors that lead to same or better reinforcers)	Old      Positive Consequences (reinforce old behavior)  ·         External ·         Internal Negative Consequences (why you want to eliminate old behavior?) ·         External ·         Internal (remember - reinforcement = values satisfied)
		New Consequences         Positive (reinforce old behavior) ·         External ·         Internal Negative ·         External ·         Internal (include both natural and artificial consequences)

2.   Baseline Period.  Carefully observe the behavior in its situation a number of times and try to figure out what cues precede it and what possible internal and external natural reinforcers follow it.  Keep a log.

3.   Planning.  Design a treatment approach using everything you can think of an outline it.  Get help from books and others.

a)   Choose the reinforcers that you will use (and any punishments or removal of reinforcers for undesirable behaviors).

b)   Decide who will observe you and hand out the reinforcers.  Can you trust yourself to carry through on your own?  Most people need help.  Find someone who can regularly evaluate the results.  If you “cheat” on yourself by taking reinforcers when you shouldn’t, get someone to hand them out to you.  You must be CONSISTENT.

c)   Decide how to avoid cues that lead you into old habits; seek out cues that lead you into new ones.  List them and get others to help.  Planning, making schedules and “to do” lists, writing goals, etc., can be powerful positive cues (stimulus control techniques). 

d)   Decide exactly how and when reinforcements are to be handed out (no less than once/week).

e)   Set reasonable goals for how much you want to improve over definite time periods.

f)    Imagine the entire sequence to test your plan.

4.   Writing a Contract.  Write a contract.  It should be clear and include a clear statement about how it can be changed.  Make sure all of the persons involved have input, understand the conditions, and sign it.  It is just as important for you to write a good contract if no one else is involved.  Otherwise, your own thoughts and memory will not be clear on the conditions.  Built into the contract should be regularly scheduled evaluation periods.

5.   Treatment Period.  Try out your plan and carefully observe and record the behaviors in situations in your log and/or a frequency graph.

6.   Regularly Scheduled Evaluation Sessions.  Evaluate the effects of treatment and revise your plans if necessary.  Having regular evaluation sessions may be one of the most important single factors determining success or failure of your program.  Do this during weekly self-management sessions.

7.   Planning for Prolonged Change.  Once the new habit is established, then try to design a program to shift over your reliance from artificial reinforcers to natural ones.

·         Continue contract indefinitely or – use “booster” contracts  (go on old contract if go to old behavior)

·         Associate more with reference groups/individuals who motivate you to continue new behavior.

·         Expose self to situations where can get more natural reinforcement  for new behaviors.