PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop: New October Class Added, See the Schedule and Register Now

The Science Behind Positive Self-Talk: 4 Ways It Can Help

#1: Reinforce Your Study Habits

Positive self-talk can help you maintain momentum on your path to certification. A study found that self-affirmation not only activates the brain’s reward system, but it also activates regions in the brain associated with future-oriented thinking. By activating the reward system, self-affirmation can reinforce behavior and help you continue that behavior in the future.

#2: Beat Procrastination

Procrastination is a common pitfall for students. BCBA® exam prep can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. Add in the pressure to pass the exam, and well, it’s a recipe for procrastination paralysis. One of the best ways to overcome this mental hurdle? A little self-compassion and positive self-talk. As reported by the New York Times, students who were able to forgive themselves for procrastinating were less likely to procrastinate in the future.

#3: Reduce Stress

Positive self-talk can also help you reduce stress and increase resiliency. According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking is correlated with a whole host of benefits, including an increased lifespan, lower levels of depression, and better psychological and physical health. While it’s not yet clear why, researchers believe positive thinking and self-talk may allow individuals to better cope during life’s difficulties or challenges, reducing the harmful effects of stress on the body.

#4: Improve Self-Efficacy

One psychological benefit of positive self-talk is improved self-esteem, and in turn, self-efficacy or the belief in your own abilities. A study found that for students, self-efficacy plays a role in motivation, problem-solving, and overall performance. According to the research, self-efficacious students are more motivated academically when it comes to learning, studying, and completing difficult tasks.

PTB has added an October class to the PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop schedule. Get expert instruction with 6 weeks of mock exams, live lectures, and hands-on prep that covers the complete Test Content Outline.

Register for an upcoming fall workshop, including the newly added October workshop beginning Sunday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. PST.

REGISTER NOW

Throwback Thursday: An Evergreen Tip for Exam Questions About Ethics

Ethics, the Code, and the exam… Oh my! The difference between ethical decision-making in theory versus answering test questions about it can get tricky. PTB founder breaks it down in this timeless tip for how to tackle BCBA® exam questions about ethics.

Go mini with a pop-in class that includes a mock exam and live 3.5-hour lecture. PTB MiniBig sessions lets you target specific Domains, for flexible prep that works with your schedule. Get expert instruction without the 6-week workshop commitment.

Register now for the next PTB MiniBig session, covering Domains E and I, on Sunday, August 31, at 10:00 a.m. PST.

I WANT TO GO MINI

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: The Fall 2025 PTB Scholarship is Open Now Through September 26

PTB is committed to supporting students throughout their certification journey. As part of that mission, PTB offers a seasonal scholarship as a means to improve the access and affordability of BCBA® exam prep. Recipients of the PTB scholarship receive complimentary registration to the PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop and a one-on-one mentoring session with PTB founder Dana Meller.

Submit your application for the fall 2025 PTB Scholarship, now through September 26, 2025. For consideration, submit a short essay about what inspires you to become a BCBA® and earn those four letters after your name.

APPLY NOW

Word of the Week: Indiscriminable Contingencies

Check out PTB's official online glossary with 528 essential ABA terms. Created by PTB founder Dana Meller, MA, BCBA and edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D.

FOLLOW PTB

Unsubscribe | Manage your subscription
Pass the Big ABA Exam | 11333 Moorpark St. #224 | Studio City, CA 91602 US