Effective contingency contracts have which of the following characteristics?

• A. Involve negotiation
• B. Rely on consequences
• C. All of the above
• D. Focus on change processes

Answer: (C)

Contingency contracts link a specific behavior to clearly defined consequences, creating a real connection between what someone does and what follows. The best choice includes all of these elements: negotiation ensures both parties agree on what counts as success and what will happen if goals are met or missed, which builds commitment and realism; relying on consequences provides the motivational force that makes the link between behavior and outcome actionable; and focusing on change processes means the contract maps out concrete steps, supports, and timelines that guide the person toward the target behavior. Together, these aspects yield a practical, enforceable plan that actually drives behavior change. If a contract lacks negotiation, it may lack buy-in; without defined consequences, there’s little motivation; without a focus on change processes, it may not translate into concrete steps to achieve the desired change.