What is "self-monitoring" in behavior change strategies?

Self-monitoring refers to individuals taking the initiative to observe, record, and assess their own behaviors as part of a behavior change strategy. This process empowers individuals by promoting self-awareness and accountability regarding their actions.

When individuals engage in self-monitoring, they can identify patterns in their behavior, set personal goals, and evaluate their progress towards those goals. This method fosters independence and can lead to more effective behavior modification, as individuals learn to recognize triggers, motivation, and opportunities for reinforcement.

The other choices focus on external aspects of behavior change, such as tracking others' behaviors, which does not involve self-reflection, or using technology for recording, which may enhance the process but is not the essence of self-monitoring. Participating in group reflection sessions, while valuable for shared learning, is not a self-directed activity and thus does not align with the definition of self-monitoring.