The Effects of Social Prejudice on Hospitalized Adolescents
PAUL G. ROSSMAN M.D.1, and
DEREK MILLER M.D.2
1 Resident, Adolescent Service, Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104
2 Professor and Chief, Adolescent Service, Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104
The authors describe an outbreak of intragroup prejudice on an adolescent service. The disturbance is traced to patient anxiety over prejudice against the mentally ill, as exemplified in a national event, the withdrawal of Sen. Thomas Eagleton as a candidate for Vice-President. The role of social prejudice as a source of anxiety and disturbed behavior within a hospital setting is stressed.
