Assessment of Hostility in the Course of Psychosomatic Treatment of Three Patients with Functional Disorders. Part II

Abstract

The effects of a dynamically oriented therapy on three patients with functional complaints were followed up by means of clinical judgement and by means of the repertory grid technique (G. Kelly). Special emphasis was laid upon the assessment of hostile attitudes which the patient connects with self, doctor and an imaginative ideal partner. It was assessed how he relates himself to therapist and ideal partner. Finally clinical judgement and grid results were compared. There is a denial of the existence of hostility in self, doctor, partner at the beginning as well as during treatment. There is a trend towards a reduction of the initial idealization of self and therapist. In the individual case significant changing scores can be demonstrated which correspond to the therapeutical course. Thus the grid may be used for supervision purpose in therapy.

Some Methodological Comments to the Assessment of Hostility on the Level of Molar Behaviour in the Course of Psychosomatic Treatment of Functional Disorders

“…[7]. This ap proach also requires a much more consistent development and applica tion of methods described above [5,6].…”

“…The psychosomatic research presented here [5,6] gives an example of a complex psychophysiological approach to hostility provided by psychol ogical techniques which have been able to bring relevant and functional information. It is in my opinion a serious and a successful attempt to re concilíate and reintegrate the two aspects of work -clinical and experi mental -which are ultimately of equal importance for everything we do with a patient.…”