Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Decision Balance Worksheet
Weigh the costs and benefits of a thought or behavior to guide intentional change
Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Decision Balance Worksheet
Weigh the costs and benefits of a thought or behavior to guide intentional change
Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Decision Balance Worksheet
Weigh the costs and benefits of a thought or behavior to guide intentional change
A decision balance analysis helps you step back from automatic patterns and evaluate whether a thought or behavior is truly serving you. By listing the costs and benefits side by side and rating their importance, you gain clarity about what motivates the pattern and what it may be costing you. This technique is widely used in motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to increase readiness for change.
Write the thought or behavior you want to evaluate at the top. In the Costs column, list every negative consequence or disadvantage. In the Benefits column, list every positive consequence or advantage. Rate the importance of each item from 1 (not important) to 10 (very important). Compare the totals to inform your decision about whether to maintain, modify, or replace the pattern.
| Costs | Importance (1-10) | Benefits | Importance (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|
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Common Questions
What is the Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Decision Balance Worksheet worksheet?
A decision balance analysis helps you step back from automatic patterns and evaluate whether a thought or behavior is truly serving you. By listing the costs and benefits side by side and rating their importance, you gain clarity about what motivates the pattern and what it may be costing you.
How do I use the Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Decision Balance Worksheet worksheet?
Fill out this worksheet digitally or print it for use in session. You can save your progress with a Pro account. Take your time with each column — there are no right or wrong answers.
Is the Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Decision Balance Worksheet worksheet free?
Yes. Like every worksheet on Therapy Resource, it is free to read, print, and download as a PDF — no account required. A Pro subscription adds online filling with saved progress, practice-branded PDF exports, and secure client sharing.
Can I fill out the Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Decision Balance Worksheet worksheet online?
Yes — switch the worksheet to "Type on Screen" mode to fill in the fields directly in your browser before printing. Pro members can also save their entries across sessions and export the completed worksheet as a branded PDF.
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