I am the BCBA, RBT, and client for this project. As the BCBA I have made measured goals and as the client I am striving for the reinforcer that awaits on Sunday. Those 2 are pretty clear cut for me. The RBT to me is my inner monologue. They narrate my life and provide social praise or punishment in the form of internal thoughts. A good RBT praises your work in a fun and supportive way. Currently, my RBT is a bit of sarcastic downer. So I have to practice that.
Supportive self-talk (meaning your inner narration) could act as social praise for me and reinforce my behavior on a daily basis while I wait for my tangible reward. Brainstorming a few things I can say to myself might be helpful since simply saying “good job” is boring and insincere. Good social praise is specific and genuine. You need to truly appreciate the success simply because it’s a success. I, personally, like dealing with facts as it’s harder for me to talk negatively about something I know to be the truth
Supportive self-talk phrases
- You’re (walking/drinking/doing yoga) more than you were at baseline
- Nice. Water is good for your body and any amount is helping your organs operate
- Well done! Movement helps your joints
Positive affirmations are really helpful for me too
- I have worth
- I can take small steps to a bigger goal
- I deserve to be happy
Practicing supportive self-talk should have a positive change on my behavior. Understanding the response effort involved will help me know if this is effective in changing and reinforcing my behavior. Rating the response effort by measuring the latency of when I decide to engage in the behavior and how long it actually takes me to get started with the activity.
All right time for the RBT in me to shine!
singlecasedesign 