A Token Reinforcement Ward for Young Psychiatric Patients
MICHEL HERSEN PH.D.1,
RICHARD M. EISLER PH.D.2,
BUREN S. SMITH M.D.3, , and
W. STEWART AGRAS M.D.4
1 Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss., and Chief, Psychology Service, Veterans Administration Center, Jackson, Miss. 39216
2 Assistant Chief, Psychology Service, Veterans Administration Center, Jackson, Miss. 39216 and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss.
3 Assistant Chief, Psychiatry Service, Veterans Administration Center, Jackson, Miss. 39216 and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss.
4 Chairman and professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss.
The authors describe the application of token reinforcement to young veteran psychiatric patients on a rapid-turnover open ward. Results indicated that reinforcement procedures doubled behavioral output when compared with data obtained in baseline phases. The use of the token economy is discussed with respect to preventing younger psychiatric patients from becoming institutionalized during their hospital stay.
