Informatics Publishing Limited

G. G. Prabhu , Ahalya Raghuram Nomita Verma , Annette C. Maridass

Abstract

The study of the attitudes held by the general public, the patients themselves, their families and the various professional groups who come in contact with the mentally ill has become an area of special interest during the last few years. The studies conducted in this area in India have been presented. Attention has been given to the constructs and concepts used, tools utilised, methodology adopted and the populations studied by the different investigators. In view of the National Mental Health Programme with its emphasis on community participation in the action for mental health, future course of action that need to be planned in this area has been outlined.

Keywords

Mental Illness, Attitudes, Opinions, Developing Countries, Review

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G. G. Prabhu

Abstract

The review evaluates selected issues and developments in the field of Rorschach Psychodiagnostics over the past 60 years. Among the issues discussed are the little known facts about the life and work of Hermann Rorschach, the early beginnings of the Rorschach technique, phase of its popularity, criticism levelled against it and the work done in India. Around 130 studies carried out in India have been briefly reviewed. The Rorschach technique has undoubtedly made an impact in the field of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health in this country, but during the birth centenary year of the originator of the technique, one is faced with the issue of its uncertain future and a possible eclipse.

Keywords

Hermann Rorschach, Rorschach Techniques, Psychodiagnostics, Developing Countries, Review

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G. N. Narayana Reddy , S. M. Channabasavanna , M. Gourie-devi , B. S. Das , G. G. Prabhu , I. A. Shariff , V. G. Kaliaperumal , K. Reddamma

Abstract

With the object of providing mental health services in rural areas by involving the community in organising the services, four taluk headquarters were selected at a distance ranging from 50 to 115 km from NIMHANS. Satellite clinics, at Kanakapura (50 km), Maddur (85 km), Madhugiri (115 km) and Gauribidanur (85 km) were started in 1981. The community involvement helped in creating better awareness about mental illness. Epileptic patients predominated in all the four places. Under the existing circumstances and poor resources available, the professionals can effectively provide services to the neglected population of the rural areas by starting extension services as one of the innovative approaches.

Keywords

Satellite Clinics, Community Involvement

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G. G. Prabhu

Abstract

The area of child and adolescent mental health has not only been given a low priority in India but had also to face several vicissitudes. From the very early fifties to the mid-sixties it enjoyed a period of growth and development. Thereafter, the area became dormant till 1979 when there was a visible resurgence. The prevalence of emotional problems among children is estimated to be around 66/1000 of child population. Research evidence indicates a lack of perception by the society of emotional disorders among children as conditions requiring clinical intervention. Evolving socio-culturally relevant theoretical framework for generating research hypotheses; research on the personality development, socialisation process, stress tolerance and coping styles of children from disadvantaged groups; the felt needs of the community; the profile of those currently seeking clinical assistance along with strategies for the development of required man-power to work in this area are the challenges that face India as well as many other developing countries.

Keywords

Child Psychopathology, Adolescence, Developing countries

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Eveline M. Sequeira , P. Madhu Rao , D. K. Subbakrishna , G. G. Prabhu

Abstract

A group of 55 mothers, of male (N=30) and female (N=25) mentally handicapped children in the age range of 5-12 years with moderate (N=30) and severe (N=25) degree of retardation, were studied to assess the extent of the burden perceived and the coping styles utilised by the mothers in relation to the sex and the degree of retardation in their handicapped child. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in the perceived burden with reference to the sex of the child. Significant differences were found by way of disruption of routine family activities when degree of retardation was taken into account. Denial, rehearsal of outcome, finding a purpose and seeking emotional support were the commonly utilised coping styles by the mothers of the mentally handicapped children.

Keywords

Burden, Coping Styles, Moderate and several Mental Retardation

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G. G. Prabhu , Uma Hirisave

Abstract

Research in the area of clinical psychology communicated during 1989 by Indian mental health professionals has been reviewed. The quantum of work reported seemed modest. The areas of stress, therapeutics, child mental health, substance abuse and sexual behaviour accounted for greater amount of research interest. Research involvement in the area of pscyhodiagnostics and with traditional clinical groups like psychoses and neuroses seemed to be on the wane. There is clear evidence of emerging research interest in the areas of behaviour modification, yoga and neuropsychology. Most of the published research was of cross-sectional nature carried out by individual scientists on small sample of subjects.

Keywords

Clinical Psychology Research, Review

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G. G. Prabhu

Abstract

In 1892, Lightner Witmer (1867-1950) joined the faculty of the Pennsylvania University where he worked for the next forty five years. He visualised the applied potential inherent in the findings and principles of the emerging discipline of scientific psychology and was convinced that it can be the basis of a helping profession. A pioneer and an innovator, in 1876 he established such a profession, suggested (1907) an appropriate name - clinical psychology - for it, planned the early training programmes in the area and made them available at the university level. To him goes the credit of having started for the first time a clinic, a journal and private practice in the area of clinical psychology. Despite his pioneering efforts Witmer remains an unknown person in psychology. The person who got clinical psychology rolling seemed to have no role in steering it, especially in the later years. As the profession he established nears its centenary year, it is fitting that one recognises the role of the founder of Clinical Psychology.

Keywords

Witmer, History, Clinical Psychology, Founder

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M. Kapur , S. R. Girimaji , G. G. Prabhu , G. N. N. Reddy , V. G. Kaliaperumal

Abstract

One hundred and fifty Pre-school children with equal number of males and females, fifty from a small township and one hundred from village areas in Southern India were studied on parameters of physical and psychosocial development, through direct observation, assessment and interview with mothers with reference to their home environments. In these children, psychosocial development in terms of gross motor, fine motor, conceptual readiness, language, and personal-social skills were found to be more closely associated with stimulating child rearing practices rather than macro-environmental factors such as residence, and parental education and income. There were some significant urban/rural differences in performances favouring urban children, which could be attributed partly to differences in child rearing practices.

Keywords

Home Environment, Psychosocial Development, Rural Pre-school Children

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