Token Economy programmes

Question 1

why does token economy require hospitalisation

Answer 1

individuals who suffer from anorexia will often resist treatment

Question 2

the token

Answer 2

additional privileges being granted as the patient gains weight

• decided by parents and carers

Question 3

consistency

Answer 3

need to reinforce all behaviours agreed as part of the plan or the patient will lose trust

Question 4

why must only positive reinforcement be used

Answer 4

negative can be counterproductive

Question 5

Ayllon & Arzin (1968)

Answer 5

instrumental in developing a ‘very influential’ token economy program

in a ward of 40 psychiatric patients

patients earned metal tokens for performing jobs off and on the ward, as well as for self care activities

could exchange tokens for privileges - e.g. special activities and items at a commissary

was effective in maintaining the patients’ adaptive behaviours as long as the token economy remained in effect

Question 6

how should a token economy programme work in an institution which treats eating disorders

Answer 6

daily fluid intake and weight tracked

calorie intake should increase gradually as the patients makes treatment gains

patient should have six equal feedings throughout the day

careful not to overemphasise the importance of weight - the disorder is due to poor body image and self-esteem problems

Question 7

what should the goal of the treatment be

Answer 7

a specific target weight

to graduate from the hospital into an outpatient program - consists of individual therapy, group therapy or a support group