Behaviour Therapies> Operant-Based Behaviour Therapy - Token Economy

• Token economy is a behaviour therapy technique based on operant conditioning.
• In a token economy, patients or children receive tokens when they show desirable behaviour.
• These tokens can later be exchanged for money or other valuable rewards.
• The method is mainly used with hospitalised mental patients and children to manage behaviour.

Token economy is a technique of treatment under which mental patients staying in hospitals are asked to show certain desirable behaviour and rewarded through tokens if they do the same.

• A token is a small object, such as a card or slip, given after desirable behaviour.
• A token has no direct value on its own.
• A token becomes valuable because it can be exchanged for desired rewards.
• Tokens are used as a medium of exchange between behaviour and rewards.

• The aim of the token economy is to develop socially desirable behaviour.
• It also aims to reduce or remove maladaptive and socially undesirable behaviour.
• It helps the person realise that they can control their environment through their actions.
• It teaches that desirable behaviour leads to positive rewards from others.

• Identify maladaptive behaviours and decide desirable behaviours.
• Set up tokens as a medium of exchange linked to these behaviours.
• Give tokens for desirable behaviour and later exchange them for rewards.

• Eating neatly and coming to meals on time.
• Eating balanced food regularly.
• Keeping the room neat and clean.
• Participating in group meetings and therapy sessions.
• Accepting and following the doctor’s instructions.

• A person learns that adaptive behaviour leads to tokens and rewards.
• Adaptive behaviour increases and maladaptive behaviour decreases.
• Both patients or children and hospital staff benefit from improved behaviour.

• Token Economy is a behaviour therapy technique based on operant conditioning.
• Patients earn tokens for showing desirable behaviour, which can later be exchanged for rewards.
• It involves identifying undesirable behaviour and reinforcing desirable behaviour through tokens.
• Rewards may include food items, entertainment, privileges, or other incentives.
• The main aim is to develop socially acceptable and adaptive behaviour, especially in children and hospitalized patients.