Token economy (managing sz) Flashcards
Explain how token economies are used
Tokens can be presented in different forms e.g., disks
When an individual does a desirable task they receive a disk (token)
This token can then be exchanged for privileges e.g., a sweet
The reason why tokens are given is to have an ‘immediate’ reward after the desired behaviour is completed- as waiting long for a reward may have little impact
What is a token economy?
These systems can be used to manage the behaviour of those with Sz whose behaviour has become maladaptive as a result of spending time in psychiatric units
What did Ayllon and Azrin (1986) trial?
they trialled token economy in a ward with Sz women
they would receive a token embossed with ‘one gift’ every time they did something good (e.g., making their bed)
these tokens could be swapped for privileges e.g., watching a film
this significantly increase the number of tasks being completed
When were token economies more frequently used?
In the 60s and 70s when long term hospitalisation was the norm for treating Sz
Why do the UK use token economies less?
Due to complex ethical issues (rewarding for mental illness)
Although around the world its a standard approach for managing Sz
What did Matson (2016) propose?
Patients with Sz can spend a long time in psych wards
Institutionalisation causes the development of ‘bad habits’ as a result of a difference from their usual routine
E.g., personal hygiene may start to decline
What were the 3 categories Matson (2016) proposed
He identified 3 categories for institutional behaviour commonly tackled by the means of token economy
1. Personal care
2. Condition related behaviours e.g., apathy
3. Social behaviour
According to Matson (2016) how can token economies benefit schizophrenia
- Token economies can help improve the quality of a patients life whilst they’re in institutional care by helping to encourage more adaptive behaviours
- They develop behaviors that make it easier for them to adapt back to ‘normal’ life outside a hospital setting
Explain behaviour modification in token economies
Based on the principles of operant conditioning
Tokens are given for desirable behaviours
The tokens themselves are secondary reinforcers- they hold no specific value
They’re exchanged for value e.g., sweets
Rewards are primary reinforcers as they’re the motivators for good behaviours
What is a strength of token economies? (research support)
Glowacki (2016)
Reviewed 7 high quality studies from 1999-2013 which examined effectiveness of token economies for ppl with Sz in psych wards
All studies showed a reduction in negative symptoms and decline in frequency of unwanted behaviours
Which therefore supports the TE is effective in promoting adaptive behaviours
What could a counterpoint be to research support?
As Glowacki’s study only contains 7 studies it creates a small sample based evidence to support the effectiveness
This can lead to a file-drawer problem- a bias towards positive published findings because undesirable results have been ‘filed away’
