Preliminary report on the application of contingent reinforcement procedures (token economy) on a "chronic" psychiatric ward.

An 86-bed closed ward in a Veterans Administration hospital was used in a 2-yr. study involving the application of a "token economy." For the patients, labeled chronic schizophrenics or brain damaged, every important phase of ward life was incorporated within a systematic contingency program. Patients received tokens for performing specified desirable behaviors involving self-care, attending activities, interacting with others, or demonstrating responsibility. The tokens could be exchanged for the "good things in life" such as passes, movies, and well-located beds. The results at the end of a year indicated a significant increase in the performance of reinforced "desirable" behaviors and a general improvement in patient initiative, responsibility, and social interaction.