Self control through the use of a token economy

The effects of a token economy, developed and administered by an individual for his own problem behaviors, were examined through a reversal (ABAB) design. The target behaviors, relating to the subject's academic pursuits, part-time job and personal and domestic habits, were self-evaluated as being desirable. During the initial baseline period the frequency with which the subject engaged in “reinforcing” activities as well as the subject's emittance of the “target” behaviors was self-monitored. On the basis of the baseline data, point values for behavioral achievement (earnings) and for reinforcer usage (expenditures) were established and used rather than concrete tokens to set up the economy. During the initial token application period, a shaping procedure was used for developing many of the target responses. The results indicated that the token procedure effected extensive behavioral change and suggested that individuals wishing to undergo change need not be bound to a “therapist” but can be taught how to control and change their own behavior.