Glossary
Behavioral contract
What is a behavioral contract?
A behavioral contract specifies an agreed action in writing. BCT Taxonomy v1, technique 1.8, additionally requires another person to witness the agreement. The definition does not require penalties.
How it works
Contracts can be combined with monitoring, rewards, or financial stakes, but these are distinct components. The written agreement makes the action explicit. If money or a reward is added, evaluate that addition separately rather than attributing the whole result to the contract.
Applied example
In a hypothetical example, two partners write down an exercise agreement: whoever skips the agreed routine three times in a month takes on specified household chores the following week. Each witnesses the other’s agreement. The written, witnessed commitment is the contract; the chores are an added consequence. The arrangement’s fairness, feasibility, and effect would need separate consideration.
Why it matters
A contract makes it easier to say what was agreed and whether it happened. It does not make an impractical commitment practical, nor does it guarantee follow-through. Specify an action the person can perform before deciding how to record the promise.