Identifying and using reinforcers to enhance the treatment of persons with serious mental illness

Psychiatr Serv. 2000 Oct;51(10):1312-4. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.51.10.1312.

Abstract

Successful engagement of clients with serious and persistent mental illnesses in the planning and implementation of treatment requires the identification of individualized reinforcers through motivational analyses. Reinforcer surveys are interviews or questionnaires that list numerous objects, persons, activities, and settings, and then assess the client's perception of the value of each item. Such surveys help identify the type of reward that might be useful for motivating the client. If properly assessed and delivered, reinforcers can increase clients' skill acquisition, attainment of goals, and feelings of self-efficacy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Motivation*
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Reward
  • Surveys and Questionnaires