Token Economy to Reduce Aggressive Behavior in Adolescent with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Aggressive behavior is often found in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Aggressive behavior arises due to low cognitive capacity so that the ability of individuals with ID to understand situations or the environment has limitations on the other side. The process of understanding the situation and realizing how to respond is very important so that individuals can adapt well to the environment. On the other hand, realizing adaptive behavior in individuals with ID is quite difficult. This research attempts to give an overview of the token economy to reduce aggressive behavior in hitting, shouting, and countering. This study aims to look at the effectiveness of token economy in reducing aggressive behavior in adolescents with ID. The research method used was single case experimental design. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and psychological tests. Pretest and posttest were carried out on aggressive behavior before and after the treatment. The results of the token economy treatment showed a decrease in aggressive behavior on the subject as a whole (calculated based on a behavioral checklist), both in hitting (formerly 6 to 0), shouting (formerly 9 to 0,2), and countering behavior (formerly 6 to 0.2). There was a decrease from 24 to 3 based on the CBLC score after the treatment. Thus, it can be concluded that the token economy has proven effective in reducing aggressive behavior in adolescent with intellectual disabilities.
 Keywords: aggression, intellectual disability, token economy