Behavior Chain Analysis

Definition

Behavior Chain Analysis (BCA) is a structured DBT tool that helps you examine the sequence of events, thoughts, feelings, and actions that led to a target behavior (usually a problem behavior).
It allows you to identify links in the chain and plan interventions to change future patterns.

Purpose

Used to:

Understand why a problematic behavior occurred.
Clarify vulnerabilities and triggers.
Identify points where you could have used skills.
Develop a plan to prevent future occurrences.

When to Use

Use Behavior Chain Analysis when:

You have engaged in a behavior you want to reduce or stop (e.g., self-harm, substance use, angry outbursts).
You are stuck repeating unhelpful patterns.
You need to figure out exactly what happened so you can do something different next time.

When Not to Use

Avoid using if:

You are too emotionally dysregulated to reflect safely.
You are seeking to blame yourself or shame yourself rather than learn.
The situation requires immediate crisis management rather than reflection.

How-To

1. Identify the Problem Behavior

Be specific: What did you do?
Include time, place, and context.

2. Describe the Chain of Events

Start with prompting event(s): What set the chain in motion?
Record thoughts, feelings, body sensations, urges, and actions that occurred step by step.
Include internal and external factors.

3. Identify Vulnerabilities

What factors made you more likely to be triggered? (e.g., sleep deprivation, illness, stress)

4. Identify Consequences

What happened after the behavior (short-term and long-term)?
How did it affect you and others?

5. Identify Missing Skills

What DBT skills could have helped interrupt the chain?

6. Develop a Prevention Plan

What will you do differently next time?

7. Plan Repair

If needed, identify steps to repair damage (e.g., apologize, problem-solve).

Tips & Variations

Use written worksheets to organize your chain.
Share your chain analysis with your therapist for coaching.
Focus on learning, not self-judgment.
Use clear and non-blaming language.
Do chain analyses regularly to build awareness.

Example

Scenario: Maria self-harmed after an argument.

Behavior Chain:

Prompting Event: Argument with partner.
Links:
- Feeling rejected.
- Thinking “I am worthless.”
- Urge to escape feelings.
- Remembering relief from past self-harm.
- Going to bathroom and cutting.
Consequences:
- Immediate relief.
- Long-term shame and guilt.
Missing Skills:
- Opposite Action.
- Self-Soothing.
- Distress Tolerance.
Prevention Plan:
- Text support person.
- Use TIPP skills.
- Practice Radical Acceptance.

Inventor / Origin

Behavior Chain Analysis was developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., as part of Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
It integrates elements of behavioral analysis and cognitive-behavioral approaches to help individuals better understand their behaviors.

Related Skills

Chain Analysis of Problem Behaviors
Missing Links Analysis
Opposite Action
Radical Acceptance
Problem Solving

Limitations

May not be effective if:

Used punitively rather than compassionately.
Skipped over critical details or triggers.
The person is unwilling to reflect honestly.

Evidence Base

Research shows:

Behavior Chain Analysis improves awareness of patterns that maintain problem behaviors.
It enhances skill generalization and relapse prevention.
It is a core component of effective DBT treatment for emotion dysregulation.

References

Linehan, M.M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.
Rizvi, S.L., & Steffel, L.M. (2014). A Pilot Study of the DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol in a Community Sample of PTSD and BPD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27(5), 605–611.
Neacsiu, A.D., Rizvi, S.L., & Linehan, M.M. (2010). Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Use as a Mediator and Outcome of Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 48(9), 832–839.

Behavior Chain Analysis – Additional DBT Tool