DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE IN TREATMENT INSTITUTIONS

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Abstract
It has been suggested that the socializing effects of a group upon the behavior of psychiatrically disturbed individuals is truly a powerful force, but unfortunately one which is still only partially understood. This has been a report of a radical manipulation of treatment structure which has permitted a demonstration of the progression of the various stages of group formation. It can be said that the usual treatment structure will not see all of these stages clearly for a number of reasons. Many patients will not be as primitive in group relations as the children studied. The social interaction will seldom be as intense. Many patients will enter and leave institutions without getting out of the initial phase of non-involved acceptance of the formal structure. Aggressive testing will not be openly permitted. Dominance patterns between patients may not be noticed because they are not sought, are forbidden or are hidden by the patients. Dominance relationships between staff and patient are characteristic of the social structure of most institutions. True role relationships may be relatively rare except in some psychotherapy, occupational and recreational therapy. It may be helpful to consider the capacity to perform within a specified type of group structure as an individual ego function which may or may not be present in a given patient.

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