A03 for token economy

• * evidence from ayllon & azrin 1968?

  • found TE is successful technique with female sz patients who were hospitalised
  • rewarded for brushing hair & making beds with tokens - could be exchanges for viewing film/visiting canteen
  • average number of chores completed rose from 5 to 42
  • effective
  • reduces symptoms
  • motivates patients & theyre more productive
• X evidence from ayllon & azrin?

  • findings based solely on females
  • ungeneralisable to male patients
  • further research required to investigate how effective TE is for patients of all genders
• X only works in instituition?

  • 66% of patients do not live in instit & live in community instead
  • shows TE not appropriate for most sz patients - environment cannot be managed as closely
  • in instits tokens controlled & can more accurately measure improvements in patients & management of sz
  • ? effective
  • only effective for severe patients in instits
  • not everyone can afford to be placed in specialised units/severe enough for inpatient care
  • using TE not effective in all settings
• X unethical?

  • TE give rewards for completing everyday tasks
  • can be seen as infantilising patients & potentially damaging their self esteem
  • those with severe sz less likely to show desired behaviours so do not gain tokens - wont gain same privileges
  • those with more severe sz discriminated against
  • ? appropriate
  • not suitable as it restricts privileges of those with severe sz
  • symptoms prevent them from being equal to other sz patients
• * can be tailored to needs of individual patient?

  • patients can choose thier own rewards/privileges from tokens
  • means each patient will be individually motivates to receive tokens
  • one patient may be interested in having extra visitor time rather than extra tv time or vice versa
  • so by having tokens tailored to each patients its beneficial in managing sz
  • appropriate
  • its effective individually & can be used for all people with sz