Behavior Modification & Token Economies for Teens

Using token economies is a form of behavior modification that is often successful with teens. The tools and structure used in token economies provides positive reinforcement for positive behaviors and consequences for negative. It is designed to help teens manage their own behavior while decreasing power struggles between children and parents.

  1. Purpose

    • Token economies are one of the most useful methods to help change unwanted behaviors in teens. It is meant to increase positive behaviors and decrease negative behaviors, such as yelling, being disrespectful, failing to follow directions and aggressive behaviors. It is helpful to teach social skills and manners, increase responsibility and raise self-esteem. Token economies are often used in treatment programs or alternative schools, however parents can easily set up their own system in their home.

    Preparation

    • Decide what to use as tokens; they can be anything from stickers to play money. Tokens are collected to earn a reward and should be given at timed intervals when a task is completed. Before using a token economy, the unwanted behaviors must be identified by the parents and child. The replacement behavior must also be named. It needs to be observable, targeted and stopped.

    Implementation

    • Sit down with your teen to discuss the plan for the token economy method. Decide what rewards the teen will earn. Examples of rewards for teens are minutes on the cell phone, staying up late, gaining computer time and staying out with friends. A period of time is determined in which the teen must show positive behavior. It can be anywhere from one hour up to a day. At the end of the period, your teen should be given a token if she displays the desired behavior. The teen can turn in tokens to earn rewards. If the teen displays an unwanted behavior, she needs to be given an immediate consequence. When tokens are given, it should be charted.

    Keys for Success

    • The most important aspect of a token economy is it must be followed and be consistent. Parents should not be surprised if the teen begins to show more behavioral problems in the beginning, but don't give up or give in. Parents also need to be united when using this method. Parents should also model and be aware of their own behaviors and reactions to others. The outcomes of a token economy system is increased self-confidence, increased responsibilities, delayed gratification and decreases in power struggles.

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