Practical techniques of observing, interviewing and advising parents in pediatric practice as demonstrated in an attitude study project

None of the material presented in the Attitude Study Project and outlined here represents completely original observations or basically new techniques. The material is presented as an aggregate of observations, techniques and experiences from different sources which have been found helpful to pediatricians in re-evaluating the psychological content of their day-to-day contacts with patients. Emphasis is on techniques of observation, interviewing and giving advice and reassurance that may enable the physician to function more satisfactorily in relation to his patients without requiring study or modification of the basic unconscious processes operating in the patient and the physician. This emphasis is selected for practical reasons such as the limitation of time for individual patient visits in pediatric practice, the insufficient number of trained psychiatrists in the community and the limited psychiatric training available to the majority of pediatricians. It is realized that ideally any emotional problem deserves to be considered more intensively with attention to the unconscious processes and basic relationships involved. But, it has been observed that increased skill of observation and improved techniques in interviewing patients as well as the acquisition of information and knowledge in the field of child development and family relationships contribute toward the pediatrician's interest in these portions of his subject and in some cases also help in improving his basic attitudes and relationship with his patients.