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What Is Self-Monitoring?

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Summary

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Self-monitoring is a personality trait that involves being aware of your behavior and how it impacts your environment. It’s also a psychological concept that explains why people act the way they do.

Frequently Asked Question

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Why is self-monitoring important?

Self-monitoring helps individuals to manage their emotions, regulate their behavior, and make better choices in their daily lives.

How can self-monitoring be learned?

Self-monitoring can be learned through practice and reflection, with the help of a therapist, teacher, or other professionals.

Who can benefit from self-monitoring?

Anyone can benefit from self-monitoring, but it is particularly useful for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD or autism, who may struggle with regulating their behavior and emotions.

Scientific Definition

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Self-monitoring in neurodivergent refers to observing and controlling one’s own behavior and emotions in different situations. Neurodivergent people have neurological differences, such as ADHD or autism, that affect their ability to process information and interact with the world around them. Self-monitoring helps neurodivergent regulate their behavior and manage their emotions, making it easier for them to function daily. For example, a neurodivergent person with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity and distraction, but with self-monitoring, they can recognize when they are becoming distracted and take steps to refocus their attention. Similarly, a neurodivergent person with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues, but with self-monitoring, they can learn to recognize when they are making others uncomfortable and adjust their behavior accordingly. In summary, self-monitoring is a valuable skill for neurodivergent to develop as it helps them manage their unique challenges and interact with the world more effectively.

Real World Example of Self-Monitoring

Meet Susie, a curious and imaginative child who loves exploring the world around her. Let’s see how self-monitoring can make a difference in Susie’s life:

  • Observing and reflecting: Susie noticed that she often got distracted while doing her homework, making it hard for her to focus. She decided to pay attention to her thoughts and actions during study time.
  • Identifying triggers: Susie realized that noise and her phone were the main distractions. She made a mental note to eliminate those distractions to stay focused.
  • Setting goals: Susie set a goal to complete her homework without getting distracted for a certain amount of time. She broke it down into smaller tasks to make it more manageable.
  • Implementing strategies: Susie used a timer and put her phone on silent mode to create a focused environment. She also created a visual schedule to help her stay organized.
  • Tracking progress: Susie kept a journal to record her successes and challenges. She celebrated each task completed without distractions.

Through self-monitoring, Susie became more aware of her distractions, set goals, implemented strategies, and tracked her progress. As a result, she developed better focus and completed her homework efficiently, feeling proud of her achievements.

How Does Self-Monitoring Work?

Self-monitoring is a practical technique that empowers neurodivergent individuals to regulate their behavior and emotions effectively. Here are a few examples of how self-monitoring works:

  • Observing and analyzing: Neurodivergent individuals consciously observe their own actions, thoughts, and emotions in different situations.
  • Identifying patterns: They look for recurring behaviors, triggers, or situations that impact their well-being and functioning.
  • Setting goals: Based on their observations, neurodivergent individuals establish specific goals to address and improve their behaviors or emotional responses.
  • Implementing strategies: They employ various strategies such as creating visual cues, using timers, or practicing deep breathing exercises to manage their behavior or emotions.
  • Tracking progress: Neurodivergent individuals monitor their progress regularly, keeping track of their successes and areas for improvement.

In conclusion, self-monitoring involves conscious observation, goal-setting, and the implementation of strategies to regulate behavior and emotions. By actively engaging in self-monitoring, neurodivergent individuals can make positive changes and enhance their overall well-being.

This post was originally published on Feb. 15, 2023. It was updated on Jan. 22, 2024.