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Therapeutic use of a soap opera discussion group with psychiatric in-patients

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Abstract

The paper analyzes the therapeutic use of a soap opera discussion group with psychiatric in-patients. Through the use of media, patients are allowed to distance their concerns. The techniques are similar to play therapy with children or to projective testing. Individual themes and programs are discussed. The paper relates media to the collective unconscious and mythology. Although the research for this article was done with in-patients, the observations could be applied to other therapeutic groups.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Framingham Union Hospital, 25 Evergreen St., 01701, Framingham, Mass

    Anne F. Kilguss

Authors
  1. Anne F. Kilguss
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Additional information

I would like to express special thanks to Ann Armour, a mental health worker at Framingham Union Hospital, who has worked with me on the soap opera discussion group.

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Kilguss, A.F. Therapeutic use of a soap opera discussion group with psychiatric in-patients. Clin Soc Work J 5, 58–65 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02143601

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02143601

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