Token economies as used in the management of schizophrenia
A token economy rewards patients with tokens whenever they show desirable behaviours. Staff then let patients exchange those tokens for privileges, gradually encouraging more independent, functional behaviour.
Real World
Ayllon and Azrin's 1968 programme at Anna State Hospital gave patients tokens for self-care behaviours such as dressing independently; patients exchanged tokens for privileges like watching TV, producing significant improvements in daily functioning that medication alone had not achieved.
Exam Focus
Evaluating token economies, always address the ethical issue of using basic privileges as rewards alongside evidence of effectiveness.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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