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The Use of a Token Economy to Regulate Household Behaviours

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

John F. Masterson  and
Alan C. Vaux
John F. Masterson
Affiliation:
School of Remedial Linguistics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Alan C. Vaux
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, U.S.A.
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Extract

The failure of a high proportion of experimental communities has been attributed to disagreements among members about household chores. Differing performances and expectations frequently result in the household ceasing to be a pleasant place in which to live. The present study was carried out in a household of five graduate students. A point system based on the principles of the token economy was used to maintain required levels of behaviour in all members. Removal of the system for 2 weeks resulted in the total amount of work done remaining unchanged, but its distribution among the members changing immediately. Within the system problems could be solved by increasing or decreasing the points values of the behaviours in question. One such experiment, which successfully increased the number of original meals prepared by members, is described.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 10 , Issue 1 , January 1982 , pp. 65 - 78
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1982

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