Is Token Economy Effective in Prisons? Examining the Role of Token Economies in Correctional Facilities
sartoriauthorToken economies are a widely used treatment for offenders with mental health and behavior problems in correctional facilities. These economic interventions aim to teach prisoners the skills needed to maintain healthy relationships and promote positive behavior. However, the effectiveness of token economies in prisons remains a subject of debate. This article aims to explore the role of token economies in correctional facilities and assess their effectiveness in promoting positive behavior and reducing re-offending.
Background on Token Economies
Token economies are based on the principle that rewards and penalties can influence behavior. In this context, prisoners are provided with tokens that they can use to purchase items or services within the prison. The tokens are earned through achieving specific behavioral goals, such as participating in rehabilitation programs or maintaining positive relationships with staff and fellow prisoners.
The use of token economies in prisons dates back to the 1970s, and they have been shown to be effective in reducing re-offending and promoting positive behavior among offenders with mental health and behavior problems. However, there is still debate about the long-term effectiveness of token economies and whether they are a viable alternative to traditional corrections methods.
The Role of Token Economies in Correctional Facilities
Token economies play a crucial role in correctional facilities by providing prisoners with a structure and incentives to engage in positive behavior. They can be used to encourage participation in rehabilitation programs, maintain positive relationships with staff and fellow prisoners, and improve overall behavior.
In prisons, token economies can be implemented in various ways, such as providing tokens for participating in group activities, completing voluntary tasks, or maintaining good behavior. By providing prisoners with a tangible reward for engaging in positive behavior, token economies can help to change their attitudes and behaviors, ultimately reducing re-offending.
Effectiveness of Token Economies
The evidence on the effectiveness of token economies in prisons is mixed. Some studies have shown that token economies can be effective in reducing re-offending and promoting positive behavior among offenders with mental health and behavior problems. For example, a recent review of randomized controlled trials found that token economies were associated with a reduced rate of re-offending and improved mental health outcomes (Pritchard et al., 2020).
However, other studies have raised concerns about the long-term effectiveness of token economies and the potential for them to exacerbate existing inequalities within prisons. For instance, token economies may favor those prisoners who are better able to access resources and support, while leaving others behind (Graycar & McMillan, 2016).
Token economies have a crucial role to play in correctional facilities, providing prisoners with a structure and incentives to engage in positive behavior. However, the evidence on their effectiveness is mixed, and there are concerns that they may exacerbate existing inequalities within prisons. As a result, it is essential for correctional facilities to carefully consider the implications of implementing token economies and to ensure that they are used responsibly and equitably.
Future research should continue to explore the role of token economies in prisons and the potential for alternative interventions to improve outcomes for offenders with mental health and behavior problems. By doing so, we can better understand the effectiveness of token economies and develop more sustainable and equitable solutions for reducing re-offending and promoting positive behavior in prisons.