Communication Patterns in an Alcoholic Rehabilitation Programme

Abstract

<p>Changes in communication patterns were observed between the staff group and a changing patient group over the course of one year, 1976-1977, and analyzed for this study of the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Programme, Chedoke Hospitals, Hamilton, Ontario.</p> <p>The original communication patterns promoted open, direct communication between staff and patients as well as a sense of community and purpose. The purpose around which the two groups joined was to help the patients to overcome their alcoholism through therapy. While there was always a basic distinction between the two groups in their perceptions of their roles and functions, there was convergence in understanding of their unified purpose. A gradual movement took place over the course of the year toward greater formalization in the communication outside of direct therapy. This increased formalization of communication led to and was augmented by rigidity in role and functioning expectations of staff held by patients. Several factors seemed to have played a part in this process: The nature of the therapeutic relationship increased iii responsibilities outside of direct therapy which made staff less visible; pressure by patients for staff to exemplify the ideal life style (which was taught as an ideal), and gradual movement over the year by staff to adhere to such a lifestyle; greater patient group solidarity, and increased formalization in contact with staff outside of direct therapy.</p> <p>These changes are analyzed in this study in light of both anthropological and psychological theories of communication in the hope of suggesting not only the process of the changes but also their ramifications for therapy.</p>