What Is Pros & Cons?
When to Use Pros & Cons
Acting on Urges
Resisting Urges
Scenario Challenge
100

Pros & Cons is a DBT skill used to help you do what before acting?

Think through your choices.

100

Pros & Cons works best when emotions are strong but still what?

Manageable.

100

Pros of acting on urges are usually short-term or long-term?

Short-term.

100

Pros of resisting urges are usually short-term or long-term?

Long-term.

100

You want to yell in class. What skill helps you pause and think first?

Pros & Cons.

200

Pros & Cons is part of which DBT module?

Distress Tolerance.

200

True or False: Pros & Cons should be used during extreme emotional crises.

False.

200

Give one example of a pro of acting on an urge.

Immediate relief, letting emotions out, feeling heard.

200

Name one pro of resisting an urge.

Staying out of trouble, feeling proud, better relationships.

200

You feel like skipping an assignment. What should you compare?

Pros and cons of doing it vs not doing it.

300

True or False: Pros & Cons helps slow impulsive behavior.

True.

300

Which skill should be used first if emotions are extreme?

TIP skills.

300

Cons of acting on urges are often what type of consequence?

Long-term.

300

Cons of resisting urges are usually what kind of experience?

Short-term discomfort.

300

You’re angry but still able to think. Which skill fits best?

Pros & Cons.

400

Pros & Cons helps activate which DBT state of mind?

Wise Mind.

400

Pros & Cons is helpful when you feel tempted to act how?

Impulsively.

400

Give one example of a con of acting on urges.

Trouble at school, damaged relationships, regret.

400

True or False: Resisting urges feels easy right away.

False.

400

If emotions become extreme during Pros & Cons, what should you do next?

Use TIP skills.

500

What is the main goal of using Pros & Cons?

To avoid making the situation worse.

500

Name one school situation where Pros & Cons could help.

Wanting to argue, walk out, skip work, break a rule, etc.

500

Why can acting on urges make things worse?

It can create more problems and consequences.

500

What usually happens to discomfort after resisting urges?

It fades or passes.

500

What is one question you should ask yourself during Pros & Cons?

“Will this choice make things better or worse later?”