token economies as a way of managing schizophrenia Flashcards
what are token economies based upon?
operant conditioning
what are token economies?
they are reward systems used to manage the behaviour of schizophrenics, especially those who have been institutionalised for long periods of time.
who first carried out token economies and in what setting?
Allyon and Azrin (1968) in an institutionalised setting
what do individuals usually develop in hospital settings and what are some examples?
they tend to develop maladaptive behaviours, e.g. bad hygiene, stay in pyjamas, avoid socialising
what is the aim of token economies in terms of behaviour?
they aim to replace maladaptive behaviours with adaptive ones
are token economies a cure?
it is not a cure, it helps to improve patients quality of life to ensure they are more likely to live independently
what type of behaviours are identified?
desirable, adaptive target behaviours
when are tokens given out?
they are given immediately after a patient displays a desirable behaviour
what are tokens?
secondary reinforcers which can be swapped for more tangible rewards, primary reinforcers
what are some examples of primary reinforcers ‘rewards’?
material goods (sweets, cigarettes, magazines)
a service (having room cleaned)
priveleges ( walk outside of the hospital)
AO3: how is ‘effectiveness’ a strength to token economies as a psychological treatment of schizophrenia?
Dickerson et al (2005) reviewed 13 studies that used token economies to treat schizophrenia. it reported beneficial effects directly attributable to the use of token economies. therefore, this suggests desirable behaviours can be in creased using token economies.
AO3: how is ‘difficulty assessing affectiveness’ a limitation to token economies as a psychological treatment of schizophrenia?
Comer (2013) highlights how token Economies are often implemented in uncontrolled conditions. all patients on a psychiatric ward are likely to be exposed to the token economy, so there is no control group. other factors might explain changes in behaviour e.g. increased attention from staff.
AO3: how is ‘help with negative symptoms’ a strength to token economies as a psychological treatment of schizophrenia?
one of the few treatments that aim to do something about some of the negative symptoms. for example, it can be used to encourage participation in activities, helping with avolition that is often a symptom of schizophrenia.
AO3: how is ‘limited usefullness’ a limitation to token economies as a psychological treatment of schizophrenia?
such techniques tend to be difficult to use outside of institutionalisation. Corrigan (1991) highlights that it is difficult to administer outside a psychiatric ward, where the patients may only encounter care for a small part of the day. as soon as the patient is away from the structured environment, maladaptive behaviours often return.
