A
program of
behavior modification using a
reward (the
token) as reinforcement for appropriate behavior. These can be exchanged later for
candy,
cigarettes, or special
privileges.
Poker chips and
play money seem to be the
tokens of choice for most
institutions.
The usual methodology involves rewarding and fining the patients according to a preset list of acceptable and unacceptable behavior. In order to exchange these tokens for rewards the patient is often required to sustain appropriate behavior over extended periods of time. Sometimes correlating the period of time with the amount of reward extends the reinforcement to include continuity.
The success of this method is limited because patients tend to relapse into unacceptable behavior when reinforcements are lifted. It seems to work best with schizophrenic s who have trouble with social interactions and taking care of themselves. Obviously it doesn't work so well with some of the other symptoms of schizophrenia like delusions and hallucinations.