SOCIOMETRIC NETWORK ON AN ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC WARD

Abstract

This study is an analysis of the spontaneous group structure of the female wards of the Boston Psychopathic Hospital as revealed by (a) patterns of positive choice (Moreno method) pervading the ward, and (b) observational data concerning interaction of all persons on the ward. The social organization of the ward at the time of this study seemed to be integrated around one patient whom we shall call Ruth Center. We observed the structure of the ward at its high period of organization, .and after the discharge of Ruth to a convalescent ward, at its period of disintegration