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I. A Psychosocial Perspective

Steven M. Mirin, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1974;30(3):398-402.

Abstract
Failure to adapt in a military setting is seen as a multidimensional problem. In what has become a highly structured technologic environment, adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds find themselves unable to compete successfully for status. The result is often frustration, increasing alienation, and lowered self-esteem, followed by ineffective performance and antisocial behavior.

The noncareer, military psychiatrist is frequently asked to evaluate such servicemen, but, like his adolescent patient, he too may be struggling to adjust to the military milieu.

A preventive approach is suggested for the problems of both. "First-termers" at risk of failure within the military system, must be encouraged to develop their potential and advance out of jobs that sap their self-esteem. For the first-term psychiatrist, maintenance of professional self-esteem may entail helping this come about.

Author Affiliations
Boston

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Sept 4, 1973.

This paper was written while the author was with the Social Actions Division (DPXST), Directorate of Personnel Plans and Programs, US Air Force, Pentagon Bldg, Washington, DC. He is currently with the Drug Addiction Research Unit, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass, and with the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Reprint requests to Drug Research-H, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02178 (Dr. Mirin).

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