Reducing assaults on an acute psychiatric unit using a token economy: A 2-year follow-up

James P. LePage, Kevin DelBen, Scott Pollard, Melanie McGhee, Linda VanHorn, James Murph, Pamela Lewis, Ahmed Aboraya, Neil Mogge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Token economies are an effective way of changing various behaviors including acquiring new skills, reducing undesired behaviors, reducing aggression, increasing treatment compliance, and improving psychiatric unit management. This study examines the long-term effect of a token economy on an acute care, inpatient psychiatric unit. The two years following the implementation of a unit based token economy are compared with the 12 months prior to implementation. The results show a significant reduction in total assaults as well as fewer staff injuries resulting in loss of time from work.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-190
Number of pages12
JournalBehavioral Interventions
Volume18
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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