Behaviour modification in custody: Dealing

• behaviour modification suggests that it should be possible to unlearn a behaviour

  • designed to reinforce obedient behaviour in offenders and punish disobedience
  • uses the token economy system
• token economy in prison 


  tokens are used as secondary reinforces because they derive their value from their association with a reward

  • the reward will vary from institution ( phone call, time in the gym, extra food)
  • non-compliance will result in the tokens being withheld and privileges taken away
• changing behaviour in an institution

  the desirable behaviour is identified, broken down into steps (increments) and a baseline measure is established. the behaviour that is reinforced is decided upon and all offenders must follow the same regimen of selective reinforcement
• research examples for behaviour modification


  Tom Hobbs and Micheal Holt

  • introduced token economy programs with groups of young delinquents across three behavioural units (the fourth acted as a control)
  • observed a significant difference in positive behaviour compared to the non-token economy group
• one strength of behaviour modification is that it is easy to implement

  there is no need for specialised professionals compared to anger management

  • can be implemented by virtually anyone in any institute
  • cost-effective and easy-to-follow
  • HOWEVER, requires consistency - studies found that any benefits were lost after staff applied the techniques inconsistently
• Weakness of Behavioural modification: Little rehabilitative behaviour 


  any positive changes in behaviour that may occur whilst the offenders are in prison may quickly be lost when released

  • establishes appropriate conduct within prison concerning a very specific set of behaviours
  • law-abiding behaviour is not always reinforced on the outside
• weakness of behavioural modification: ethical issues

  The terms and conditions of using behavioural modification are regarded as manipulative and dehumanising by several commentators

  • participation is mandatory and not optional.
  • suggesting the the programme that does not include withdrawing privileges is ethically questionable