Behavior Chain Analysis

It isn’t uncommon for a child to do and say something only to wonder, “Why did that happen? What made me do that?” Behavior chain analysis can help you and your child uncover the complex reasons behind their actions.

Whether we’re aware or not, all our actions serve a purpose or function, and understanding why can help us change unwanted behaviors or improve positive ones.

What is Behavior Chain Analysis?

Behavior chain analysis or functional analysis explores the link between a specific behavior and what causes it [*]. For example, if a person is prone to self-destructive behavior, a behavior chain analysis will reveal what triggers these self-harm tendencies.

In DBT, behavior chain analysis helps identify the root causes of problems like avoidant behavior, anger outbursts, and self-harm. With the help of a therapist, people can use behavior chain analysis to recognize individual-specific triggers and start a tailor-made treatment plan.

What is Behavior Chain Analysis Used For?

The behavior chain analysis aims to identify and help individuals correct negative or problematic behaviors. When pinpointing what causes unwanted behaviors, you can gain insight into how to change them. Below are common behaviors a behavior chain analysis can help resolve:

• Risky behaviors like hypersexuality, substance use, and drunk driving
• Self-injurious behavior
• Aggressive and violent behavior
• Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior

Other applications of a behavior chain analysis include:

• Problem-solving. Individuals can use the behavior chain analysis to determine what factors lead to problematic behaviors. They can develop healthier responses to overwhelming emotions and learn to prevent unwanted behaviors.
• Self-reflection. Observing one’s actions objectively helps people identify triggers and spot patterns. When individuals identify the catalysts of certain behaviors, they can make more deliberate choices.

How Does Behavior Chain Analysis Work?

The behavior chain analysis is a multi-step process that involves observing the situation, reflecting on personal thoughts, and becoming aware of specific behaviors. It’s best to perform a behavior chain analysis immediately after you experience the unwanted behavior. Here’s how it works.

Identifying the target behavior

Focus on the behavior you just experienced or another behavior that occurs frequently. When describing this behavior, be detailed and specific. Consider when the behavior started, what happened that led up to the behavior, and what thoughts or feelings you had when the behavior occurred.

Mapping the behavior chain

It’s time to identify what factors lead up to the unwanted behavior. Think about what events or triggers cause this behavior and what feelings you experience before and after.

As you map out the behavior chain, consider what you were doing, what was happening around you, and whether the event triggered a traumatic response.

Analyzing the behavior chain

Once you’ve identified the links in the chain, it’s time to analyze each factor. This step is to determine what purpose the behavior serves.

Think of the short and long-term consequences of the behavior. Are the long-term repercussions worth the short-term benefits?

Next, consider your thought patterns. Did you blow the situation out of proportion? Did you engage in all-or-nothing thinking?

Developing Interventions

The final step in behavior chain analysis is developing a solution. Consider what you could’ve done differently throughout each step of the chain and what coping strategies you could’ve used. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:

• TIPP. Cater to physical sensations to ease emotional anxiety. Ground yourself during high-stress situations.
• Meditation. Relax your body and mind to reduce stress. Be mindful of your emotions to set yourself up for success.
• HALT. Consider whether your reactions result from other triggers unrelated to the situation. Evaluate your physical needs to avoid engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
• Coping statements: Repeat affirmations and coping statements as you experience challenging emotions like anger or anxiety.

What are the Limitations of Behavior Chain Analysis?

While the behavior chain analysis provides a comprehensive look at what goes wrong under specific circumstances, it has its limitations:

• Identifying all chain components. Some behaviors are more complex than others, and placing every chain component can be challenging. For instance, you may miss intricate nuances and subconscious thoughts you aren’t aware of.
• Resistance to change. Breaking a habit isn’t easy, especially if it brings you a sense of comfort—even bad habits can provide some satisfaction. If you resist change, finding the motivation to reflect on your behavior can be challenging.
• Being too subjective. While self-reflection is a powerful tool, how you perceive a situation can be too subjective [*]. If you develop biases toward certain behaviors, asking someone else for insight and feedback may be best.
• Oversimplifying the process. Certain triggers, factors, and feelings may predictably lead to specific behaviors, but this won’t always be true. Though breaking down complex behaviors into a linear process can be helpful, you risk oversimplifying the underlying causes.

Behavioral Chain Analysis Example

Here’s a close look at how you can apply the behavior chain analysis in a school setting:

1. Identify the target behavior. Your job requires handling a challenging school topic, and you procrastinate on projects you receive from them.
2. Map the behavior chain. You receive your assignment from your teacher and start feeling anxious. Before reviewing your project, you begin catastrophizing the results and worry you won’t complete your responsibilities on time or to the expected quality. You start engaging in negative self-talk, telling yourself, “I can’t do this. I don’t want to do this.” You feel physically nauseous and end up procrastinating on the project.
3. Analyze the behavior chain. You procrastinate on the project and engage in activities that make you feel better. Suddenly, your tasks pile up, and you neglect other duties at home. You become exhausted and anxious because you spend too much time on overdue tasks.
4. Developing interventions. Next time you have another project for this school topic, you can reflect on your immediate needs before reacting. If you’re hungry, have a snack before reviewing your project responsibilities, as you’ll be calmer and in a better headspace to start the project. You can repeat affirmations and positive mantras to encourage yourself to manage the project wisely.

Next time you encounter an unwanted behavior and want to learn how to correct it, use our behavior chain analysis worksheet as a guide.

The Bottom Line

Performing behavior chain analyses can help you understand your behavior or someone else’s. By deconstructing the process, you can gain valuable insights into the whys and hows of your behaviors and replace potentially bad habits.

If your child’s behaviors are becoming disruptive to their daily lives, it may be best to seek professional help.

Explore our DBT worksheets to find additional DBT resources to support positive emotional and behavioral change.

Sources:

1. Rizvi SL and Ritschel LA. “Mastering the Art of Chain Analysis in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.” Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 2014.
2. Bitsika V. “Limitations of Functional Analysis: The Case for Including Valued Outcomes Analysis in the Investigation.” ResearchGate, 2006.