Changing the Social Milieus of Psychiatric Treatment Settings

Abstract

The article presents a concrete paradigm which may be useful in the facilitation and evaluation of social change, particularly in relatively small groups with moderate to high amounts of interaction among their members. The methodology includes (1) the systematic assessment of the social environment, (2) individualized feedback to participating members, (3) concrete planning of specific methods by which change might occur, and (4) reassessment of the social environment in order to monitor the results of the change process. Preliminary applications of the method have been made on psychiatric wards, small correctional units or cottages for young juvenile offenders, university residence halls, and high school classrooms. Examples of the use of the methodology in studies of a psychiatric ward and an adolescent residential center are presented.