This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Reply to article  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal

Ralph G. Hirschowitz, MD, ChB

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1972;27(6):833-838.

Abstract
Three seminars for nonpsychiatric physicians were compared. Attendance in the first was discontinuous and participation uneven. The second had better attendance and participation; however, it was characterized by a marked tendency to restrict open disagreement. The third seminar had regular attendance and optimal participation; its members disagreed freely without being judged disagreeable. The content, structure, processes, and pluralistic tolerance of the seminars were analyzed. Differences were found in membership, cohesiveness of practice groups, patterns of conflict resolution, intergroup relations, and community forces. Additional determinants included the influence of strangers, frequency of meetings, and seminar settings. Lessons are distilled that relate to the organization, processes, and goals of such seminars. A "process model" is emphasized.

Author Affiliations
Boston

From the Laboratory of Community Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, and the Office of Prevention, Department of Mental Health, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication March 9, 1972.

Reprint requests to Department of Mental Health, 58 Fenwood Rd, Boston 02115.