Token Economies as used in the Management of Schizophrenia Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are token economies?
Token economies are behavioural management systems used in institutional settings (e.g., hospitals) to improve the functioning and motivation of patients with schizophrenia.
What is the basis of token economies?
Token economies are based on behaviourist principles and use positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviour.
How do token economies work?
Patients receive tokens for performing target behaviours tailored to their needs, such as making their bed or taking medication.
What are tokens in token economies?
Tokens are secondary reinforcers that patients learn to associate with primary reinforcers like sweets, magazines, or privileges.
What is the goal of token economies?
The goal is to increase patient engagement in self-care and ward activities, improving their quality of life and easing symptom management.
What is a strength of token economies?
Token economies are easy to implement and can be run by regular hospital staff.
Why is the ease of implementation important?
It makes token economies a cost-effective behavioural management system in hospitals, especially in low-resource settings.
What is a limitation of token economies?
Inconsistent implementation can occur due to busy hospitals, understaffing, or high staff turnover.
Why does inconsistent implementation matter?
It reduces patient motivation and engagement with the system.
What is another limitation of token economies?
They may have limited long-term effectiveness as patients might only engage in behaviours to earn rewards.
What is the implication of limited long-term effectiveness?
Once discharged and rewards are removed, behaviour may regress, suggesting low rehabilitative value.
What is an ethical concern regarding token economies?
Patients with more severe symptoms may struggle to earn tokens, creating unfair disadvantages.
Why do ethical concerns matter?
They raise issues of discrimination in care and question the moral credibility of the system.
