1. Identify the specific thought or behavior you want to change by filling in the top box.
2. In the "Costs" column, list all negative consequences (emotional, social, practical) of maintaining this thought or behavior.
3. Rate the importance of each cost on a scale of 1–10 (1 = not important, 10 = very important) in the adjacent “Importance” column.
4. In the "Benefits" column, list all positive outcomes or perceived advantages of keeping this thought or behavior.
5. Rate the importance of each benefit on a scale of 1–10 in the adjacent “Importance” column.
6. Add up the total importance scores for both Costs and Benefits to compare their overall weight.
7. Based on the totals and your reflection, develop a more adaptive alternative thought or behavior in the bottom box.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of cost benefit analysis worksheet.
