Dealing with Offending Behaviour - Behaviour Modification Flashcards
What is the purpose of behaviour modification programmes?
They are designed to manage offenders whilst in custody to reduce the likelihood of re-offending after release. Such programmes are based on the behaviourist approach, and aim to encourage the learning and unlearning of specific behaviours via rewards.
What is a token economy system?
It is based on operant conditioning and involves prisoners receiving a reward token for desirable behaviours. These behaviours are pre-determined and are operationalised, and the tokens are able to be exchanged for privileges such as phone calls or card time. It is also possible for tokens to be removed.
What is the strength - research support.
Hobbs and Holt studied young offenders and found those participating in a token economy programme showed more positive behaviours. Field also found that some young offenders don’t respond easily but did if rewards were more immediate, frequent and positive.
What is the limitation - systems have an inconsistent approach
Bassett and Blanchard found any benefits were lost if staff applied the techniques inconsistently. This was due to lack of training or high staff turnover suggesting that these systems are not as easy to implement as they first appear.
What is the limitation - has little rehabilitative value.
Some other treatments are longer lasting because they involve understanding causes and impacts of ones own behaviour. In contrast, offenders can play along with a token economy system to access rewards, but this produces little overall change. This explains why once the token economy is discontinued, an offender will quickly regress.
What is the strength - easy to implement
Has been associated with decreased conflict, more successful management of prisoners and reduced stress for prison staff in a hostile environment. They can be designed and implemented by anyone, are cost-effective and easy to follow once methods have been established.
