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 the target behavior, thus minimizing the delay of reinforcement. Self-praise also can be a useful reinforcement procedure for behaviors that are not easily observed by others or that are “private” behaviors (e.g., thoughts, self-statements).

One example of the use of self-praise would be in the case of a child who wants to increase the frequency of tooth brushing. After brushing his or her teeth, the child might say, “Nice job cleaning my teeth!” to himself or herself, regardless of who is present. Another example in which self-praise could be used is in increasing attention to academic tasks. That is, a child may engage in self-praise following the completion of a certain number of math problems by saying “Great job finishing those five questions. Way to stay focused!” Self-praise strategies also are often used by individuals to reinforce their use of habit-reversal behaviors (e.g., self-praising after clasping hands to prevent nail biting), social skills behaviors (e.g., selfpraising after engaging in rehearsed behaviors in reallife situations), and anxiety reduction procedures (e.g., self-praising after using relaxation procedures in anxiety-provoking situations).

The advantages of self-praise (i.e., the individual controls the reinforcer) also may be reasons for concern when considering the use of self-praise as a reinforcement procedure. For self-praise to be effective, individuals must be motivated to change their behavior and to self-praise after the occurrence of the target behavior. In addition, individuals must be able to recognize when they have exhibited praiseworthy behaviors. Often, it may be difficult for someone to observe the delivery of the self-praise. As a result, it may be difficult to determine if the self-praise is being delivered. In addition, the use of verbal praise is a conditioned reinforcer, as opposed to a primary reinforcer. The effectiveness of the use of self-praise alone may be limited if not used [Page 1028]in combination with other, primary reinforcers or additional reinforcement procedures.