Alan Sheldon

RETIREMENT AND HEALTH

Abstract: Objective and subjective data on physical health were obtained as part of a large study on the effects of retirement. The objective data included such items as hospital admissions, visits to the physician, and the presence of some commonly experienced symptoms; the subjective data pertained to such factors as perception of, and satisfaction with health status, and the occurrence of limitations or changes. In a sample of 500 retired persons (both sexes, 60–70 age group), self‐perception of health indicated that they were in good, or even improved, health after retirement. Correlations of physical health status with demographic, behavioral and psychological variables led to the conclusion that persons who are privileged socio‐economically are also privileged physically and psychologically in the post‐retirement phase of their lives. Attitudes toward the process of retirement are also significantly correlated with physical health. Evidence in the literature largely confirms these findings.

A Study of Group Psychotherapy With Married Couples

GROUP psychotherapy is now a well-established part of the psychotherapeutic procedures undertaken in many different types of psychiatric centre. Inevitably, the method has become diversified and differentiated so that the basis for the formation of a therapy group may be any degree of heterogeneity and homogeneity of sex, diagnosis, class, intelligence level or other variable, depending on the therapeutic goal of the group. Yet, despite wide differences in size, structure, and setting, almost all groups have been &dquo;stranger&dquo; groups in which the relationship of each member to each other is based upon a temporary social position as &dquo;patient&dquo;, or &dquo;client&dquo;, rather than some permanent relationship existing in the wider society.

On consulting to new, changing, or innovative organizations

This paper reports the experiences of a community mental health team engaged in consulting to a Job Corps camp. The characteristics of the camp are described and salient aspects of its evolution delineated: in particular, the issues of growth, change, and phase. The problems of consulting with a radical changing organization are noted and some general and particular facets touched upon. Finally, the need for critical self-examination in consultants is emphasized.This paper reports the experiences of a community mental health team engaged in consulting to a Job Corps camp. The characteristics of the camp are described and salient aspects of its evolution delineated: in particular, the issues of growth, change, and phase. The problems of consulting with a radical changing organization are noted and some general and particular facets touched upon. Finally, the need for critical self-examination in consultants is emphasized.

A note on the generalizability of a study of retirement: the problem of sample loss☆

Abstract This paper reviews some salient literature on the problems of sample loss in longitudinal studies of aging and draws attention to the significance of this issue for cross-sectional studies. The importance of a methodology which excludes relevant phenomena is discussed. Sample loss in a study of retirement is reported, and a comparison of the study sample with individuals eliminated by geography, refusal, or other reasons, is presented.

Change in a British Psychiatric Service

Changes in the Croydon Psychiatric Service consequent upon the adoption of a community mental health orientation are described, and the effects of the initial phase of implementation are noted in terms of data collected for a year preceding and following this phase. The major effects are seen in reduction of readmission rates to the mental hospital, and in a redistribution of patients among the wider range of facilities.Changes in the Croydon Psychiatric Service consequent upon the adoption of a community mental health orientation are described, and the effects of the initial phase of implementation are noted in terms of data collected for a year preceding and following this phase. The major effects are seen in reduction of readmission rates to the mental hospital, and in a redistribution of patients among the wider range of facilities.

Computers in knowledge based fields: by Charles A. Myers. M.I.T. Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts and London, England, 1970. 136 pp.

complexity within the units studied; that complexity generated by the attempt to deal with size actually contributes to the growing need for management, thereby compounding the effects of size. The deductive model generated by the authors is broad in scope, modest in detail, but suggestive. The authors point out several instances where no meaningful relationships appeared to exist until regression analysis was used. Size did not at first appear to be related to clerical ratio, but under closer analysis it was observed that size is positively related to division of labor and to automation as well. In turn, division of labor is positively related to clerical ratio, and automation is negatively related to clerical ratio. The net result was that intervening variables masked the relationship between size and clerical ratio in this situation. Another example of the interaction between variables was found in the relationship between size and centralization. The immediate effect seemed to be that greater size was related to decreased delegation of personnel responsibilities, which were reflected in increased centralization. However, size also was positively related to automation, the number of levels of the hierarchy, and staff ratio, all of which tended to reduce centralization. These and similar examples strongly support the need for thorough analysis of the interaction between intervening variables as well as the gross variables. The authors have made a real contribution in analyzing some of these relationships in detail. However, there are several shortcomings which should be noted. This is not really a book; it does not stand by itself as a complete discussion of the structure of organizations. It is a good research report presented in book form-at an outrageous price. Even as a research report it leaves something to be desired. This reviewer was considerably frustrated in not finding the actual questions used in quantifying the variables. The variables which were evaluated are conceptually weak, and the grouping of individual measures into major variables is of questionable utility. The analysis tends to focus on somewhat limited concepts, such as levels of hierarchy and span of control. The bases for measuring such variables as division of labor (number of job titles) and automation (number of computers, or number of electric typewriters) leave much to be desired. The authors seem to have progressed very little beyond the consideration of variables which are readily quantifiable but have limited utility. The authors seem determined to continue the structure versus function argument. They opt for the structural approach on the ground that the dynamics of organization are difficult o measure and are ultimately reflected in structure anyway. There is little reason to continue this pointless argument when it is possible to assess both elements at the same time and come up with a more complete description of organizations. The authors differentiate between the authority configuration of organization (shape of the pyramid) and the way authority is used (decentralization). The first is a structuralist concept, but the latter is a functionalist concept. The ease with which these two variables are measured and treated in this study suggests that the idealized and operational aspects of organization can be identified, measured, and compared in like fashion, within a single conceptual framework; they are not mutually exclusive. Blau and Schoenherr present an excellent research report based on sound research methodology. That they limit their work to one organizational system and fail to rise above the structuralist/functionalist argument does not really constitute a severe criticism of this book. Their exploration of interaction effects between variables and the pervasiveness of the effects of organizational size represents a significant contribution to the field of organizational research.