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Behavioral reward systems, like a token economy chart, are designed to reinforce certain desired behaviors in a positive way. This guide to token economy therapy provides clinicians with an overview of this contingency system, along with examples.
You can also download a free token economy chart to save to your electronic health record (EHR) and share with clients.
What is token economy therapy?
Token economy therapy is a contingency-based system in which tokens are earned for specific behaviors.
The idea behind using a token economy chart is to reinforce a desired behavior or activity.
Tokens can be cashed in for activities like extra time on electronic devices.
Initially, token economy therapy was developed for hospital settings, where residents completed activities like laundry and were rewarded with tokens for activities like walking around the hospital grounds.
However, token economies are now used in various behavioral and family settings.
For instance, token systems are used with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in certain behaviors, like class participation.
Families might use a token economy chart to encourage studying, asking questions, attending school, and completing household chores.
Guidelines for using a token economy chart include:
Get clear about the tokens
Clearly define the token as a reward for certain desired behaviors.
When selecting tokens, consider the durability, ease of handling, storage, and how many are needed, and have a backup supply handy.
For example, you could use a glass cookie jar, and tokens could be chips, puzzle pieces, or fake money.
Choose target behaviors
Clearly define the target behaviors that you’ll include in the token economy chart.
Determine where and when the token system is used
Specify which situations the token economy applies to.
Use a defined token system
Create a schedule of reinforcement, like a token economy chart, to keep track of behaviors and rewards.
Review and adapt the system
You may need to amend the system based on each individual’s performance.
For example, if a child achieves all of the behaviors, like completing homework four nights a week, they have achieved their goal and may not complete homework on the fifth day.
You may then decide to change your approach to the token economy therapy, subject to other variables like overall success at school, to completing homework five nights a week with the token rewarded at the end of the week.
Token economy examples
Here are some token economy examples at home and for use in school:
Target behavior examples
- Reduce conflict, like talking back, teasing, or bickering
- Increased chore completion
- Completing a bedtime routine
- Brushing teeth
- Getting dressed without being asked
- Waking up and getting out of bed on time
- Putting away shoes and backpack after school
- Making breakfast and putting the dish in the dishwasher
- Helping younger siblings
- Attending school
- Participating in school activities
- Getting along with peers
- Completing homework
Token examples
- Points
- Chart stickers
- Plastic chips
- Stickers
- Play money
- Metal washers
- Token jars
- Marbles
- Pencils
- Wooden disks
Reward examples
- TV time
- Gaming time
- Chore pass
- Free time
- New items like clothes, shoes, games, books, or arts and crafts supplies
- Staying up late
- Baking a treat
- Movie night
- Favorite meal
- Allowance
- Takeout
- Listening to music in the car
- Ice cream
- Treat in the lunchbox
- 30 minutes of play on a phone or iPad
- Pick a rental movie
- Special activity day with a parent
- Having a friend over
- Family activity
- Having a sleepover
- Going to a fast food restaurant
- Extra playtime
- Small prizes
- Stickers
- Class party
- A class trip
Token reward system ideas
- Place a large token jar prominently next to the daily reward chart. This visual reminder helps reinforce positive behaviors and serves as a cornerstone of token economy therapy.
- Make a list of daily, medium, and large rewards.
- Involve the whole family in designing the reward system in which each family member has a say in desired behaviors, tokens, and reward choices. This collaborative approach can increase the effectiveness of the token economy psychology example being implemented in your home.
- Motivate family members to complete their token economy chart by earning an extra reward.
Remember to keep the token economy chart visible and easily accessible, and celebrate both small and large achievements to maintain motivation.
Sources
- American Psychological Association. (2018). Token economy. APA Dictionary of Psychology.
- Cihon, J. H., Ferguson, J. L., Milne, C. M., Leaf, J. B., McEachin, J., & Leaf, R. (2018). A Preliminary Evaluation of a Token System with a Flexible Earning Requirement. Behavior analysis in practice.
- Hackenberg T. D. (2009). Token reinforcement: a review and analysis. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior.
- Humprey, J. (2011). Token Economy for Middle-aged Children: A Parent Guide. The University of Pittsburgh.
- The University of Washington. (n.d.). CBT + Home Token Economy Guide for Therapists.
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