Some speculations concerning the selection of clinical psychologists.

The author makes the point that clinical work and scientific research require different intellectual orientations on the part of the psychologist. The ability to be effective and feel comfortable when assuming either attitude is a trait to look for in the selection of clinical psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An experimental study of the effectiveness of brainstorming.

In the study of conditions favorable to creativity 2 different ways of conducting brainstorming groups were compared. 3 groups each composed of 7 university students were given instructions to uncritically invent names for 3 kinds of articles; 3 other groups of students each composed of 7 persons were given instructions to also invent names for the same articles only to do so critically. 150 different students rated the invented names of both groups for quality. "For each product, the noncritical condition produced a greater number or responses than the critical condition… . If it is the purpose of problem solving to produce a specific number of ideas of highest possible quality, these best ideas will tend to be of higher or equal quality when the noncritical method is used." From Psyc Abstracts 36:02:2HD45W. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Schizophrenics as a minority group.

Suggests a model in which schizophrenics view themselves as members of a minority group; the aim of the schizophrenic under such a model is to be respected and heard, rather than to be cured. Such a view can be expected to improve the self-concept of relatively intelligent, ambulatory schizophrenics. The minority model implies that the schizophrenic is different but not necessarily less worthy than the normal person. A program is discussed that proposes to teach patients to view themselves as a minority group. Part of the focus of the program lies in viewing schizophrenics as strangers and normal people as natives, thus eliminating the negative connotations associated with the term schizophrenic and the influence of cultural values on diagnosis and treatment. Other program topics discussed include creativity, overinclusiveness, heightened sensitivity, passion, and ecstasy in schizophrenia. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Values: The enfant terrible of psychotherapy.

Cites clinical examples, personal experience, and empirical research demonstrating that the values of psychotherapists affect diagnoses, as well as the process and goals of therapy. Some therapists believe that values should not influence therapy. Thus, indirect ways of dissemination of values may be used as shown by clinical illustrations. The author holds a value-determined image of psychotherapy, in which therapeutic schools are viewed as "perceptual houses" to which the client is being converted. The advantages of making the public aware of the role of values in psychotherapy are briefly discussed. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some comments on a Viennese school of psychiatry.

The author comments on a school of psychotherapy called Logotherapy or Existential Analysis, which was originated by Victor E. Frankl of the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Vienna. This school of analysis reflects the culture of the Hitler era and post-war Europe. Frankl states that neurosis is caused by repression of the patient's sense of responsibility and the function of psychotherapy is to bring this sense of responsibility back to the patient's awareness. Happiness, he postulates, is a byproduct of the realization of other values. Fear of death, aging, and discomfort are the principal causes of anxiety. The author feels that this school of psychotherapy, which has arisen from an experiential background so different from ours is worthy of careful study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)