Token Economy

• Token economy

  A form of behavioural therapy used in the management of schizophrenia
• Token economy

  • Used to shape and manage behaviour so that patients in long stay hospitals are easier to manage
  • Desirable behaviours are encouraged through selective reinforcement
  • Rewards (tokens) are given immediately as secondary reinforcers when patients engage in desirable behaviours
  • Tokens can be swapped later for more tangible rewards (primary reinforcers)
• Desirable behaviours

  • Getting dressed in the morning
  • Making a bed
  • Taking medication
• Tangible rewards (primary reinforcers)

  • Sweets
  • Magazines
  • Privileges such as a walk outside the hospital
• Desirable behaviours become associated with rewards and privileges


  Encourages the desirable behaviour to be repeated
• Modifying behaviours

  Doesn't cure schizophrenia, but improves the patients' quality of life and makes it more likely that they can live outside a hospital setting