The Effects of a Reinforcement Program Using Token Economy and Social Reinforcement to Enhance Self-Esteem of Secondary School at Prachabumrung School Bangkok

Abstract

The objective of this research was to examine the effects of a reinforcement program using tokens and social reinforcement, both before and after the implementation of the program. This study was a quasi-experimental research. The sample group consisted of 38 Grade 7 students from Prachabamrung School, selected through purposive sampling during the second semester of the 2024 academic year. The participants engaged in 13 activity sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. The research instruments included 1) A reinforcement program using tokens and social reinforcement to enhance self-esteem. 2) A self-esteem measurement scale, and 3) A questionnaire to collect students opinions regarding the reinforcement program and the researcher. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and non-parametric statistics, specifically the Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed Rank Test.

          The results of the research found that after the experiment, the students in the sample group scored significantly higher on the self-esteem measurement scale compared to the before experiment, with statistical significance at the .01 level. According to students’ learning journals following their participation in the program, they demonstrated an awareness of and appreciation for the importance of self-esteem, and reported engaging in the program with enjoyment and the students in the sample group generally agreed that participating in the program makes students recognize and understand themselves in terms of appearance, emotions, abilities, desires, confidence, have goals in life, have a good feeling towards yourself recognize that you are valuable and gain more self-esteem.