Date of Award
6-2025
Culminating Project Type
Starred Paper
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Special Education: M.S.
Department
Special Education
College
School of Education
First Advisor
James Pickle
Second Advisor
Michelle Barron-Albers
Third Advisor
Martin Lo
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Abstract
This review explores the development and application of behaviorist models in understanding and addressing emotional and behavioral disorders, with a specific focus on token economies as an intervention. It begins by contrasting historical psychodynamic and behaviorist explanations of maladaptive behavior, offering a foundational context for interpreting the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of behaviorist approaches. Through an examination of token economies, the review evaluates their efficacy in modifying behavior, while also considering the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions of their implementation. Chapter I provides an overview of foundational theories and key terminology. Chapter II reviews empirical research on the effectiveness of token economies. Chapter III synthesizes the findings, discussing their implications for practice and emphasizing the importance of tailoring interventions to individual and cultural needs. This review ultimately advocates for a nuanced, socially responsive application of behaviorist techniques in educational and therapeutic settings.
Recommended Citation
Harchanko, Hannah, "The Evolution of Emotional Behavioral Disorders and Management Strategies" (2025). Culminating Projects in Special Education. 231.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/sped_etds/231
