Digital Tool

Attention - Self-Monitoring Record

The Attention - Self-Monitoring Record is a structured tool designed to collect valuable information about how what clients pay attention to in different situations.

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Psychology Tools resource: Attention – Self-Monitoring Record

Attention - Self-Monitoring Record

When we feel anxious, nervous, or scared, we focus our attention in particular ways – usually on the things that could be a threat. Our minds and bodies do this to help identify dangers and keep us safe. However, paying so much attention to potential threats can also cause problems, including:

  • Noticing signs of danger everywhere.
  • Failing to see signs of safety.
  • Remembering things more negatively than they were.
  • Focus on ourselves so much that we become more anxious or blame ourselves for things that weren’t our fault.

One way to learn more about how your attention is impacting your mood is to use a self-monitoring record. It’s like a diary that can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions when you feel under threat.

Overview

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emotions, and behaviors. Though it’s usually introduced early in the therapy process, it can continue to provide an inexpensive and constant measure of problem symptoms and behaviors throughout treatment. The Attention - Self-Monitoring Record worksheet is designed to help clients document what they focus on in various situations.

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