What does "behavior momentum" refer to?

The concept of "behavior momentum" refers to the strategy of beginning with easier tasks to build compliance before introducing more challenging tasks. This approach is grounded in the idea that when individuals are successfully engaged in easy tasks, they are more likely to continue with the more difficult tasks that follow. The initial successes create a sense of accomplishment and positive reinforcement, which helps in transitioning to tasks that may require more effort or concentration.

In practice, this can be particularly effective in settings like behavior therapy, where the aim is to increase a client’s willingness to engage with a variety of tasks. By ensuring that the client is initially successful, practitioners can build a positive slope of participation that carries over into the more demanding activities. This strategy leverages the established behavior momentum to enhance learning and compliance, ultimately making it easier for clients to tackle more challenging goals.

This understanding helps RBTs create structured lessons that capitalize on behavioral science principles, ensuring that clients experience early successes that foster a willingness to engage with more complex tasks down the line.