Generate a solution analysis for the most accessible intervention point

For your chosen intervention point, brainstorm and commit to one specific alternative.

Why it works

A chain analysis without a solution analysis is a diagnosis without a prescription. The solution analysis converts the identified intervention point into a pre-planned response by brainstorming alternatives, evaluating their feasibility, and committing to one specific action. The pre-planning matters because under moderate arousal the alternatives may not be visible — they need to be accessible as a prepared response, not generated on the spot.

How to do it

1. Pick the single most accessible intervention point from the chain.
2. Brainstorm at least three alternative actions you could take at that moment.
3. Choose the one that is most feasible given your typical state at that point in the chain.
4. Write it as an if-then plan: "If I notice [link state], I will [alternative action]."

Evidence

Solution analysis in DBT applies the same implementation-intention logic supported in behavioral science: pre-committed if-then plans outperform in-the-moment decisions under stress. The combination of chain analysis and solution planning is standard DBT treatment structure. (clinical)

The implementation-intention evidence is well established; its integration with chain analysis is DBT clinical practice rather than a separately trialed design.

Sources

• Gollwitzer & Sheeran (2006), implementation intentions, Advances in Experimental Social Psychology

Common mistake

Generating a long list of alternatives without choosing one, which leaves the intervention point populated with options rather than a committed response — and options don’t fire automatically under arousal.