1. Look for patterns of distress or dysfunction
- Does the behavior consistently lead to emotional pain (e.g., anxiety, guilt, shame)?
- Does it interfere with daily functioning (work, school, relationships, self-care)?
Examples:
- Avoiding responsibilities due to procrastination or fear
- Compulsive behaviors like overeating, gambling, or excessive checking
2. Check for harm or risk
- Is the behavior physically, emotionally, or socially harmful to the person or others?
- Does it put the person in unsafe situations?
Examples:
- Self-harm, substance abuse, or aggression toward others
- Lying or stealing that creates significant consequences
3. Examine rigidity and lack of control
- Does the person feel unable to stop or control the behavior despite negative consequences?
- Is the behavior inflexible across situations or contexts?
Examples:
- Compulsive hand-washing, chronic avoidance of social situations, or persistent anger outbursts
4. Identify interference with goals or values
- Does the behavior conflict with the person’s long-term goals or moral/ethical values?
- Does it prevent meaningful relationships or personal growth?
Examples:
- Repeatedly prioritizing short-term relief over long-term health
- Engaging in destructive coping mechanisms instead of seeking support
5. Consider cognitive and emotional patterns
- Are there distorted thoughts, irrational beliefs, or emotional triggers tied to the behavior?
- Is there excessive anxiety, guilt, shame, or anger around the behavior?
Examples:
- “If I fail, I’m worthless,” leading to avoidance or perfectionism
- Magical thinking, superstition, or intrusive thoughts that drive behavior
Practical Approach in Therapy:
- Observation & self-report: Ask the client to track behavior, triggers, and consequences.
- Functional analysis: Identify antecedents (triggers), behaviors, and consequences (ABC model).
- Pattern recognition: Look for repetitive cycles and their emotional or social impact.
- Collaborative discussion: Help the client see connections between behavior and negative outcomes without judgment.
A quick checklist for therapists to identify problematic behaviors.
Here’s a practical, concise checklist one can use to identify problematic behaviors in self:
Checklist for Identifying Problematic Behaviors
1. Distress
- Does the behavior cause emotional pain (anxiety, guilt, shame, sadness)?
- Does the person report frustration or dissatisfaction with this behavior?
2. Dysfunction
- Does it interfere with daily life (work, school, home, relationships)?
- Does it limit a person’s ability to pursue goals or self-care?
3. Harm
- Could the behavior cause physical, emotional, or social harm?
- Does it put the person or others at risk (e.g., aggression, self-harm, substance abuse)?
4. Loss of Control
- Does the person feel unable to stop or regulate the behavior?
- Is the behavior repetitive or compulsive despite negative consequences?
5. Rigidity / Inflexibility
- Does the behavior persist across different situations or contexts?
- Does the person have difficulty adapting or finding alternatives?
6. Conflict with Values or Goals
- Does the behavior contradict the person’s personal, moral, or ethical values?
- Does it prevent long-term progress or meaningful relationships?
7. Cognitive & Emotional Patterns
- Are distorted thoughts, irrational beliefs, or excessive worry linked to the behavior?
- Are there strong emotional triggers that predict or maintain the behavior?
8. Frequency & Intensity
- How often does the behavior occur?
- How severe is the impact when it occurs?
9. A person’s Awareness
- Is the client aware of the behavior and its consequences?
- Are they motivated to change or explore alternatives?
This checklist can be used in session by observing behavior, discussing patterns, and asking the person to self-report, giving a clear starting point for intervention.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 