What category does Decisional Balance belong to?

Decisional Balance belongs to the "Techniques" category in personal knowledge management and productivity.

What are the key topics related to Decisional Balance?

Key topics related to Decisional Balance include: decision-making, psychology, behavior-change, techniques, self-awareness.

Decisional Balance

Q: What are alternative names for Decisional Balance?

Decisional Balance is also known as: Pros and Cons Analysis, Decisional Balance Sheet, Cost-Benefit Analysis.

A psychological technique for systematically weighing the pros and cons of making a change.

Also known as: Pros and Cons Analysis, Decisional Balance Sheet, Cost-Benefit Analysis

Category: Techniques

Tags: decision-making, psychology, behavior-change, techniques, self-awareness

Explanation

Decisional Balance is a psychology concept originally developed as part of the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente. It involves systematically examining the perceived benefits (pros) and costs (cons) of both changing and not changing a behavior. The technique uses a four-quadrant matrix: pros of changing, cons of changing, pros of staying the same, and cons of staying the same. Research shows that in early stages of change, cons typically outweigh pros, but as motivation increases, this balance shifts. Decisional balance sheets help individuals move from contemplation to action by making implicit beliefs explicit and identifying ambivalence. This structured approach to decision-making reduces emotional reactivity and helps clarify values, making it particularly useful for significant life decisions, habit changes, and overcoming resistance to change.

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