Pros And Cons Of Changes

Worksheet Description

The “Contemplating Change” worksheet is a strategic tool from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that assists students in the process of thoughtful decision-making. At the top, students are instructed to clearly state the change they are considering making. This could relate to any aspect of their life where they feel an adjustment could be beneficial. The main body of the worksheet is divided into a two-by-two grid, prompting students to evaluate the benefits and costs of the potential change from both an emotional and logical standpoint.

In the first column, students list the benefits or pros of making the change, which encourages them to identify positive outcomes and the potential for growth. The second column asks them to consider the costs or cons, which could include challenges or sacrifices associated with the change. The intersecting rows encourage students to consider their feelings and thoughts on the change—what their emotions are telling them (emotional response) and what they logically conclude when considering all factors (logical response). This structured approach allows students to weigh their options carefully and to recognize the multifaceted impact of personal decisions. By completing this worksheet, students can approach life changes with a balanced perspective, taking into account both the immediate and long-term effects on their well-being.