Self-Praise

Self-praise is the use of positive statements made to oneself after exhibiting an appropriate behavior that one desires to increase. Such self-statements increase the probability that the target behavior will occur in the future (i.e., reinforce the behavior). Self-praise is one method of self-reinforcement, and, like other selfreinforcement strategies, it typically is used within the context of self-monitoring procedures.

One of the advantages of self-praise as a reinforcement procedure is that the individual controls the delivery of the praise. Hence, no other individuals need to be present to monitor and/or deliver the reinforcer after the target behavior has occurred. Because individuals are praising themselves, the reinforcers are available to individuals in all situations. In addition, self-praise can be delivered immediately after the occurrence of ...