James C. Crumbaugh

Treatment of Alcoholics with Logotherapy

This study evaluates the results of group logoanalysis with selected hospitalized alcoholics using the Purpose in Life (PIL) Test as a before-and-after measure of therapeutic outcome in comparison with controls. Results suggest that closed-end logoanalysis groups are superior to open-end groups, and that both are superior to controls in improving the patients sense of meaning and purpose in life as measured by the PIL.

The Bradley Center Community-Wide Mental Health Assessment Program: An Introduction

The staff of The Bradley Center, a privately endowed outpatient psychiatric center for treatment, education, and research, was impressed by the lack of a program for the prevention of major emotional problems and for the fostering of better mental health which parallels the success achieved in the control and prevention of many physical illnesses. The Center therefore has undertaken a major research project: the development of techniques for large scale mental health screening and assessment and the demonstration that such techniques are feasible and economically advantageous in conducting community-wide programs for the improvement of mental health. An assessment battery consisting of the Cornell Index, the Mooney Problem Check List, and an original biographical data blank and check-list is being used to evaluate functioning in the major role areas of everyday living (occupation, marriage, parenthood, etc.). A mobile mental health assessment unit, operating in several communities, will over a three-year period: ( a ) obtain support of nonpsychiatrically-trained professionals (physicians, ministers, public health nurses, and social workers) in carrying out an intense brief program aimed at evaluating large numbers of individuals; ( b ) train and assist these persons in administering and evaluating results of the assessment techniques; (c) assist in the further study of, and formulation of recommendations for, individuals with problems of a mental hygiene or social nature; and ( d ) conduct appropriate follow-up studies. A series of pilot studies is being conducted to work out technical problems involved in different aspects of the project. Study I (which is now completed) explored the effectiveness of various assessment techniques: the Cornell Index, the hlooney Problem Check List, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the b~ographical data blank. The battery was administered to 102 nonpatients and 150 paclencs, and found effectively to discriminate patients from nonpatients. Study 11-A, now in progress, seeks to determine the feasibility of group testing and methods of processing such data, and the effectiveness of a shortened battery (which omits the MMPI and adds a brief biographical check-list). In another study (11-B), also currently under way, we wish to determine the amount of training required by these nonpsychiatric professionals to utilize the assessment techniques effectively with their own counseling clients. To obtain validation data for the proposed over-all plan by a community-wide trial in a small community, a further study (11-C) is planned. A public relations team will first introduce the project to the community and elicit the support of community leaders and nonpsychiatric professional personnel, following which the assessment team will arrive to train these professionals in the use of our techniques in a brief intensive assessment program and in appropriate referral of cases which require more services than can be provided during the brief program by this team.