NCJ Number
42391
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology, Methods and Therapy Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: (1977) Pages: 37-39
Date Published
1977
Length
3 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE A PROPOSED APPROACH FOR MODIFYING THE BEHAVIOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RULE VIOLATORS BY USE OF AN INSTITUTIONALLY-OPERATED STIMULUS RESPONSE CHAIN DESIGNED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF POSITIVE INMATE BEHAVIORS.
Abstract
PUNISHMENT OR NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT OFTEN CREATES AN ATMOSPHERE OF HOSTILITY WHICH IS DETRIMENTAL TO REHABILITATION. TRADITIONAL TOKEN ECONOMIES CAN OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM, BUT OFFER A NUMBER OF OTHER DRAWBACKS: THEY ARE COSTLY TO OPERATE, PLACE HEAVY DEMANDS ON STAFF TIME, AND REQUIRE CONSIDERABLE STAFF TRAINING. THE SYSTEM DESCRIBED IN THIS PAPER, WHICH WILL BE TESTED IN A UNITED STATES MILITARY PRISON, IS REPORTED TO BE MUCH EASIER AND LESS COSTLY TO OPERATE THAN A TOKEN ECONOMY SYSTEM. IN THE PROPOSED PROGRAM, NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT IS USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A 'STIMULUS RESPONSE CHAIN'. THIS CHAIN CONSISTS OF A SEQUENCE OF EVENTS OR RESPONSES IN WHICH EACH RESPONSE CAUSES SOME CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH FUNCTIONS AS THE STIMULUS FOR THE NEXT RESPONSE. IN THE PROPOSED SYSTEM A SERIES OF BEHAVIORAL CHAINS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED WITH THE USE OF FOOD AND SOCIAL INTERCOURSE AS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REINFORCERS. EACH ACTIVITY IN THE INMATES' DAY IS CONTINGENT ON POSITIVE BEHAVIORS IN THE PRECEDING ACTIVITY. IF ONE ACTIVITY IS NOT PERFORMED IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER, NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT IN THE FORM OF REDUCED FOOD AND SOCIAL INTERACTION IS IMMEDIATELY IMPOSED. POSITIVE ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR INMATES EXHIBITING PROPER BEHAVIOR INCLUDE SEMINARS, GROUP ACTIVITIES, DISCUSSION GROUPS, AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS. THE PROPOSED SYSTEM REQUIRES LITTLE STAFF TRAINING, AS THE REINFORCEMENTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINED BY THE RESPONSES OF THE INMATES AND IMMEDIATELY DISPENSED VIA ENGAGING IN THE NEXT ACTIVITY OF THE CHAIN. THE AUTHORS ALSO CLAIM THAT THE PROPOSED SYSTEM IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO INMATE AND STAFF SABOTAGE....DMC