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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
06:41
Assessment of Social Interaction Behaviors
Published on: February 25, 2011
A behavior management program to increase social responses in psychogeriatric patients
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Behavior management programs using token reinforcement significantly improved social functioning in psychogeriatric patients residing in nursing homes. This approach facilitated better social behaviors and long-term placement in higher-level care units.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Increasing numbers of psychogeriatric patients are housed in nursing homes.
- Many facilities struggle to manage the behavioral challenges presented by these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a behavior management program for improving social functioning and behaviors in psychogeriatric patients.
- To assess the efficacy of token reinforcement in a nursing home setting.
Main Methods:
- A behavior management program utilizing token reinforcement was implemented for 6 psychogeriatric patients.
- The program involved a 10-day reinforcement period, followed by a 10-day withdrawal, and a final 10-day reinforcement period.
Main Results:
- Token reinforcement substantially improved social behavior over 10 days.
- Social behavior declined during the withdrawal period but improved again with reintroduction of reinforcement.
- Four out of six patients showed significant improvement, enabling placement in higher-level units after one year.
Conclusions:
- Behavior management programs, specifically token reinforcement, can effectively enhance social functioning in psychogeriatric patients.
- These interventions offer a viable strategy for improving care and outcomes for this population in nursing home settings.
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