what are token economies in the context of schizophrenia
Token economies are a form of behaviour modification based on the principle of operant conditioning. Used for behavioural shaping and management so that patients in long stay hospitals are easier to manage.
target, desirable behaviours are identified by the staff, eg.good personal hygeine
Every time a patient displays one of these behaviours, they are rewarded with a token
These tokens act as secondary reinforcers because they can be exchanged for primary reinforcers such as privileges like smoking or sweets.
These systems can therefore help to treat avolition, which is a common negative symptom of schizophrenia
