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Using a token economy in a community‐based residential program for disabled adults: An empirical evaluation leads to program modification
Author(s) -
Stocks J. Timothy,
Thyer Bruce A.,
Kearsley Mariann
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
behavioral interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.605
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1099-078X
pISSN - 1072-0847
DOI - 10.1002/bin.2360020306
Subject(s) - psychology , token economy , independent living , reinforcement , security token , developmental psychology , applied psychology , social psychology , computer science , gerontology , computer security , medicine
The effects of an existing token reinforcement program upon the acquisition and maintenance of independent living skills of 12 disabled adults in two halfway houses were investigated. Tokens (points) were used to purchase advancement up a step/level system, pay daily “rent,” and purchase curfew extensions. Tokens were effective in maintaining independent living skill behaviors. However, hearing clients showed a decrease in independent living skill behaviors over the course of the program, while hearing impaired clients showed no change. This paradoxical finding appeared to be the result of inadvertant program contingencies that allowed a decrease in desired behaviors as subjects advanced to higher steps. The authors discuss how the program would be modified to increase behaviors associated with independent living skills.