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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permission 
to photocopy this handout is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details).General Handout 8   (General Worksheet 3)
missing- links a nalysis
ask the following questions to understand how and why  
effective behavior that is needed or expected did not occur.
1. Did you know what effective behavior was needed or expected (what skills 
homework was given, what skills to use, etc.)?
if no  to q uestion 1, ask what got in the way of knowing what was needed or expected. 
Ideas might include not paying attention, unclear instructions, never getting the instructions 
in the first place, becoming too overwhelmed and couldn’t process the information, and so on.
proBlem- Solve what got in the way. For example, you might work on paying 
attention, ask for clarification when you don’t understand instructions, call others, look up information, and so on.
2. if yeS  to q uestion 1, ask were you willing to do the needed or expected effective 
behavior?
if no  to q uestion 2, ask what got in the way of willingness to do effective behaviors. 
Ideas might include willfulness, feeling inadequate, or feeling demoralized.
proBlem- Solve what got in the way of willingness. For example, you might practice 
radical acceptance, do pros and cons, practice opposite action, and so on.
3. if yeS  to q uestion 2, ask did the thought of doing the needed or expected effective 
behavior ever enter your mind?if no  to q uestion 3,