About this worksheet
The CBT functional analysis: antecedents, behavior, and consequences — the ABC that keeps a behavior going. The framing is deliberately non-judgmental: behavior persists because it is working for something, and that something is the target. Sections: behavior described in observable terms; antecedents that reliably precede it (time, place, mood, people, cue); short-term consequences it delivers (relief, escape, connection, sensation); long-term consequences it costs (weeks, months); the function the behavior is currently serving — the real one, not the polite one; and a different behavior that could serve the same function at lower cost. The lower-cost alternative is the intervention. If it does not serve the same function, it will not stick.
When to use it
- Any behavior maintained by reinforcement — avoidance, procrastination, substance use, checking.
- Compulsive behaviors alongside ERP.
- Safety behaviors in anxiety work.
- Self-harm functional formulation (paired with chain analysis for episode work).
- Habit-reversal training preparation.
How to use it
- 1
Observable terms in the behavior column
'Feeling stuck' is not a behavior. 'Scrolling social media for 45 minutes instead of starting the report' is.
- 2
The function is the target
Behavior change without function replacement rebounds. The lower-cost alternative must serve the same function.
- 3
Short-term and long-term consequences both
Behavior persists because the short-term reinforcement outweighs the long-term cost in the moment. Both columns are needed.
- 4
The real function, not the polite one
'Scrolling for information' is the polite function. 'Scrolling to avoid the anxiety of starting' is the real one.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from chain analysis?+
Chain analysis maps one specific episode. Functional analysis maps the general reinforcement structure of a repeating behavior. Both belong; different jobs.
What if the client can't name the function?+
Ask 'if this behavior disappeared tomorrow, what would you have to face?' The answer usually names the function.
Is this worksheet free?+
Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.
Worksheet — Functional Analysis Worksheet — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.
