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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

References & further reading

Conceptual background and further reading, not validation of this handout. Named instruments and methods belong to their original authors; custom prompts and trackers are not validated versions of those instruments.

© 2026 TherapistAssist · For clinical use · Not a substitute for assessment
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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. 1
    As soon as possible after the behavior

    The chain fades within a day. Fresh recall makes the links visible.

  2. 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. 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. 4
    Repair is separate from insight

    The insight column changes the next time. The repair column addresses this time. Both are needed.

Frequently asked questions

Isn't chain analysis punishing?+

Done well, no — it is architectural. Done as interrogation, it is punishing. The therapist's tone is what makes the difference.

What if the client can't remember the links?+

Start with what is remembered and mark the gaps. Over sessions, the same behavior chained repeatedly will fill the gaps.

Is this worksheet free?+

Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.

Worksheet — Chain Analysis Worksheet — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.