Self-Observation (Self-Monitoring)

Introduction

Self-monitoring refers to an assessment procedure in which individuals systematically observe instances of their own behaviour and maintain records of those occurrences. In self-monitoring, more than in other forms of assessment, the client becomes the assessor, learning to observe, document and measure behaviour as well as environmental variables that may control it. The [Page 854]resultant data ideally reflects the frequency, duration or intensity of target behaviours in the client's everyday environment, and provides a baseline against which to measure the effects of therapeutic interventions. In addition to measuring target behaviour, self-monitoring is often used to identify situational variables and consequences associated with the client's behaviour in natural settings. This information can be used in a functional analysis of problem behaviours and the development of therapeutic ...