token economy programme
Last reviewed 01/2018
Token economy programmes are techniques used in behavioural therapy, and are sometimes employed with chronic schizophrenic patients.
It uses the principle of operant conditioning, which states that healthier, more effective responses and behaviours can be developed to particular circumstances.
In this technique desired behaviours, for example the undertaking of some simple domestic task, are reinforced by the award of tokens which can be exchanged later, for example for items from the hospital shop.
In a way these programmes mimic the actuality of life, but with more immediate consequences.