Jurgen Ruesch

Measurement of social disability

Abstract A quantitative scheme for the assessment of social disability has been presented which lends itself for individual case work as well as for large-scale application and computer processing. A single numerical score indicates the degree of disability; subscores reflect the magnitude of physical and behavioral impairment and the degree of social maladjustment. Comparisons of the various subscores suggest the direction to be taken in rehabilitation. The method can be adapted to a variety of special disabilities by adding new sections without altering the basic format.

Research and Training in Social Psychiatry in the United States

encounters an ever-expanding universe. According to Rennie, (19) social psychiatry &dquo;seeks to determine the significant facts in family and society which affect adaptation.... It concerns itself not only with the mentally ill but with the problems of adjustment of all persons in society....&dquo; Butler~2~ goes perhaps even further: &dquo;The field of social psychiatry has gradually become definable in terms of an organized discipline to examine the whole social framework of contemporary living.&dquo;