DBT · Behavior Analysis

Chain Analysis Worksheet

Break the problem behavior into vulnerability, prompt, links, behavior, consequences

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A DBT chain analysis breaks one problem behavior into its links — vulnerability, prompting event, links, behavior, consequences. Then we choose a link to unhook next time.

Problem behavior — described specifically, no globalizing

Vulnerability factors (sleep, hunger, mood, meds, stress)

Prompting event — what set it off

Links in the chain — thought, feeling, sensation, action (7+ steps)

Short-term consequences

Long-term consequences

One link where a skill could unhook this next time

Repair, if any

About this worksheet

The DBT chain analysis is the definitive after-the-fact tool for one problem behavior. Not blame, not confession — architecture. Sections: problem behavior described specifically without globalizing; vulnerability factors that lowered the client's reserves (sleep, hunger, mood, meds, stress); the prompting event that set it off; seven or more chain links (thought, feeling, sensation, action) between prompt and behavior; short-term and long-term consequences; the one link where a skill could have unhooked the chain next time; and any repair that is possible. The chain is the intervention. Most clients discover the behavior is not caused by the prompt — it is caused by the links, and the links are what skills act on.

When to use it

Self-harm — chain analysis is the standard after-episode DBT tool.
Binge, purge, or restriction episodes in eating-disorder work.
Substance lapse and slip recovery.
Dissociative episodes.
Aggressive outbursts and impulsive high-cost decisions.

How to use it

1
As soon as possible after the behavior
The chain fades within a day. Fresh recall makes the links visible.
2
No globalizing in the behavior line
'I self-harmed on Tuesday at 9pm by cutting my left forearm three times' is workable. 'I'm a mess' is not.
3
The links are the target
The behavior is the outcome; the links are what skills work on. Most changeable link is usually 2–3 steps before the behavior.
4
Repair is separate from insight
The insight column changes the next time. The repair column addresses this time. Both are needed.