Management of Schizophrenia Flashcards
What are token economies?
A form of behavioural modification where desirable behaviours are encouraged by the use of selective reinforcement.
When are token economies mostly used for SZ?
When people have developed patterns of maladaptive behaviour through spending long periods in psychiatric hospitals.
Explain Ayllon and Adrian (1968) trialled token economy study.
-Ward of women with SZ diagnosis.
-When participants carried out a desired task like making their bed were given a plastic token (secondary reinforcer) embossed with “one gift” which could be swapped for ward privileges (primary reinforcer).
When were token economies extensively used and why?
1960s and 70s when the norm for treating SZ was long-term hospitalisation.
Why has the use of token economies declined?
The ethical issues raised by restricting rewards to people with mental disorders.
When does institutionalisation develop?
Under circumstances of prolonged hospitalisation.
What were Matson et al’s (2016) 3 categories of institutional behaviour commonly tackled by means of token economies?
1) Personal care
2) Condition-related behaviours
3) Social behaviours
What are the 2 major benefits of token economies & examples?
1) Improves the person’s quality of life within the hospital setting. e.g. social interactions for a usually sociable person.
2) ‘Normalises’ behaviour; which makes it easier for people who have spent a time in hospital to adapt back into life in the community. e.g. making their bed.
What did Cooper et al (2007) say about token economies?
Target behaviours are decided on an individual basis and it is important to know the person in order to identify the most appropriate target behaviours for them.
What are tokens?
Secondary reinforces.
Why is having some form of immediate reward for target behaviours important?
Delated rewards are less effective.
What is an example of a reward in the hospital setting?
An appointment with a social worker to plan for life after hospitalisation.
What is behavioural therapy based on?
Operant conditioning.
What are the meaningful rewards classed as?
Primary reinforcers.
What are generalised reinforcers?
Tokens that can be exchanged for a range of different primary reinforces are particularly powerful secondary reinforcers.
