Modification of interactive behaviors in chronic mental patients

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Token economy systems are used in treating chronic mental illness.
• Interpersonal behavior deficits are common in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of contingent reinforcement on interpersonal behaviors in chronic mental patients.
• To assess the generalization of treatment effects.

Main Methods:

• Four chronic mental patients were assigned to either contingent or non-contingent reinforcement groups.
• Participants attended 10 treatment sessions focusing on specific interpersonal behaviors.
• Behaviors included talking, attending, asking/answering questions, and cooperative problem-solving.

Main Results:

• Contingent reinforcement produced a strong effect on targeted interpersonal behaviors during treatment sessions.
• Treatment effects generalized to other social behaviors outside the treatment setting, as evidenced by baseline, treatment, and post-treatment measures.

Conclusions:

• Contingent reinforcement is an effective strategy for improving social interaction skills in chronic mental patients within a token economy.
• The observed generalization suggests that token economy interventions can lead to sustained improvements in real-world social functioning.