Contingency Management of Hospitalized Character and Behavior Disordered Soldiers

A point economy based on operant conditioning theory as best described by Skinner (1938, 1963) and following the pioneer concepts of Ayllon and Azrin (1968) was established with a unique population: hospitalized soldiers diagnosed as character and behavior disorders. The usual handling of such men (discharge to duty with a negative recommendation) would have resulted in a loss of over 70% to a negative outcome. As seen in the comparison group which received positive or neutral recommendations, approximately 50% could be salvaged by this procedure alone, while utilization of a motivational environment based on operant theory resulted in 80% positive outcomes. An additional finding of significance is the value of this system in managing personalities who in other settings have been sources of frustration due to their inappropriate behavior. It is felt that these results indicate applicability in other settings with 'captive' groups such as committed alcoholics, reformatory inmates, etc.