Backup reinforcers are rewards or incentives that are used in a token economy system to motivate and reinforce desired behaviors in children. These backup reinforcers can vary depending on the individual child’s preferences and interests. They can be activities, items, or privileges that the child enjoys and finds rewarding.
For example, if a child enjoys playing video games, a backup reinforcer could be extra time to play their favorite game. If a child loves art, a backup reinforcer could be the opportunity to spend extra time drawing or painting. These backup reinforcers are meant to serve as a reward for the child’s positive behavior and encourage them to continue engaging in the desired behaviors.
The effectiveness of backup reinforcers in a token economy lies in the association that the child makes between the tokens they earn and the backup reinforcers they can exchange them for. When a child consistently engages in the desired behaviors and earns tokens, they begin to understand that these tokens have value and can be exchanged for something they enjoy. This association strengthens the motivation for the child to continue exhibiting the desired behaviors.
Using backup reinforcers in a token economy system also helps to create a sense of fairness and consistency. By clearly specifying the behaviors that will earn tokens and the backup reinforcers that can be obtained, the child knows what is expected of them and what they can work towards. This structure and consistency provide a sense of predictability and can help to increase the child’s engagement and participation in the token economy system.
It is important to note that the choice of backup reinforcers should be individualized and based on the child’s preferences and interests. What may be reinforcing for one child may not be as motivating for another. Therefore, it is crucial to involve the child in the process of selecting backup reinforcers and regularly reassess their effectiveness.
In my personal experience working with children, I have found that backup reinforcers can be highly effective in motivating and reinforcing desired behaviors. For example, I once worked with a child who had a passion for playing soccer. We incorporated extra soccer practice sessions as backup reinforcers in his token economy system. This not only motivated him to consistently engage in his therapy sessions but also helped him improve his soccer skills. Seeing the direct relationship between his efforts and the backup reinforcers he earned greatly increased his motivation and enthusiasm.
Backup reinforcers are rewards or incentives used in a token economy system to motivate and reinforce desired behaviors in children. They can be activities, items, or privileges that the child enjoys and finds rewarding. The association between tokens and backup reinforcers helps to strengthen the child’s motivation and understanding of the system. The choice of backup reinforcers should be personalized to the child’s preferences and interests.