perfectionism and - Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

Differential Attention
1. Giving positive attention to increase behaviors you want to see
2. Removing attention to decrease the behaviors you don’t want to
see.
Instructions: Please keep a daily record of your involvement in
your child’s OCD symptoms. In the space provided below (feel
free to use additional space if necessary) please record the date,
the specific symptom, and how the parent(s) are involved in the
symptom.
There are different kinds of positive attention:
1. Praise and encouragement like saying “great job” or giving your
child a hug.
2. Tangible rewards like giving your child a piece of candy or a small
toy.
3. Privileges like allowing your child extra computer time or a later
bedtime.
Tangible Rewards: Key Components of Successful Reward Plan
1. The plan should be simple and easy to follow - ideally targeting
specific, easy to observe behaviors.
2. Rewards should be delivered promptly following desired behaviors.
3. Rewards should be frequent enough that child will be encouraged
to work toward them.
4. Rewards should be something child enjoys and that parents are
going to feel OK about if children do not get it (e.g., stickers,
playing a game, spending time with someone special, food, small
toy).
5. Rewards have to be delivered consistently.
Differential Attention – Removing Attention/Ignoring
Date OCD Symptom Time Spent
Parent(s) Involvement
1. You should never ignore your child if they are in danger to
themselves or anyone else.
2. Learn to ignore behaviors that you want your child to engage in
less frequently.
3. Ignoring something means that
You cannot speak to your child
Touch your child
Make eye contact with him/her
4. Once you begin to ignore a behavior you have to ignore in until he/
she stops doing it.
5. Continue to praise your child’s good behavior.
OCD Symptom Tracking
Child Tools - Daily Practice Record
-242-
SUNDAY