Psychological Therapies: Token economies

Question 1

Development of token economies

Answer 1

Ayllon & Azrin (1968) used a token economy in a SZ ward. A gift token was given for every tidying act. Token were later swapped for privileges e.g. films.

Token economies were used extensively in the 60s and 70s. Decline in the UK due to shift towards care in the community rather than hospitals and because of ethical concerns.

Token economies still remain a standard approach to managing SZ in certain parts of the world.

Question 2

Rationale for token economies

Answer 2

Institutionalisation occurs in long-term hospital treatment.

Matson et al. (2016) identified 3 categories of institutional behaviour that can be tackled using token economies:

• Personal care
• Condition-related behaviours (e.g. apathy)
• Social behaviour

Modifying these behaviours does not cure SZ but has two major benefits

Question 3

Benefits of token economies: 1. quality of life

Answer 3

Token economies improve the quality of life within the hospital setting, e.g. putting on make-up or becoming more sociable with other residents

Question 4

Benefits of token economies: 2. ‘normalises’ behaviour

Answer 4

Encourages return to more ‘normal’ behaviour, making it easier to adapt back into the community e.g. getting dressed or making your bed

Question 5

What is involved in a token economy?

Answer 5

Tokens (e.g. coloured discs) given immediately after a desirable behaviour. Target behaviours are decided individually based on the knowledge of the person (Cooper et al. 2007)

Tokens have no value themselves but are swapped for rewards e.g. sweets or magazines, or activities like a film or a walk outside

Tokens are given immediately following target behaviours because delayed rewards are less effective

Question 6

The theory behind token economies - operant conditioning

Answer 6

Token economies are an example of behaviour modification based on operant conditioning

Tokens are secondary reinforcers - exchanged for rewards (primary reinforcers which are directly rewarding e.g. food)

Tokens that can be exchanged are called generalised reinforcers. These have a more powerful effect