Therapies For Schizophrenia: Token Economies

Question 1

What is token economies?

Answer 1

A behavioural treatment for schizophrenia based on operant conditioning (learning through reinforcement).

Question 2

How does a token economy work?

Answer 2

Tokens are given to reward patients as soon as they complete a desired action or behaviour (e.g. self-care, taking medication etc.). Tokens can then be exchanged for rewards (e.g. sweets, extra TV time, time outside etc.)

Question 3

What are the roles of tokens and rewards?

Answer 3

Tokens = secondary reinforcers
Rewards = primary reinforcers

Question 4

Who set up a token economy with schizophrenic patients and what did they find?

Answer 4

Ayllon and Azrin (1968) - patients went from performing 5 chores a day to around 40. It helped improve their quality of life.

Question 5

Who are token economies primarily used for and for what kind of behaviour?

Answer 5

Schizophrenic patients who are in institutions for long periods of time. These patients may experience avolition, which means they have little motivation for self-care tasks or socialising.

Question 6

What is a limitation of token economies? (Ethical issues)

Answer 6

Privileges become more available to patients with mild symptoms and less so for those with severe symptoms that prevent them from complying with desirable behaviours - means severely ill patients suffer discrimination