What outcome is most likely when a behavior plan is developed with the student’s input?

• A. Increased external rewards with no change in intrinsic motivation.
• B. Decreased sense of autonomy.
• C. Increasing the student's intrinsic motivation to change a pattern of behavior.
• D. Increased avoidance of behavior change.

Answer: (C)

When a behavior plan is developed with the student’s input, the student experiences ownership and control over the change, which strengthens intrinsic motivation. Allowing the student to help set goals, choose strategies, and decide how to monitor progress boosts autonomy, competence, and relevance. When these elements align with the student’s interests and values, the behavior change feels self-directed and rewarding, making the student more internally motivated to modify the pattern. This motivation tends to produce more sustained engagement and persistence than plans driven mainly by external rewards or imposed expectations. External rewards can shift motivation away from internal interest, and plans that dampen autonomy or emphasize avoidance are less likely to foster genuine, lasting change.