Combat neurosis in inner-city schools

Abstract

The author studied 253 classroom teachers who were referred for psychiatric evaluation because of varying degrees of psychological stress and physical trauma. These teachers had experienced actual assault or the threat of assault in inner-city schools. The author evaluated these patients' ego functioning, attitudes, current life situations, and the presence of any predisposing factors. On the basis of these evaluations and using guidelines established in studies of combat neurosis, he recommends that individuals who experience severe occupational stress be provided psychological training to prepare them to handle stress, constant support of and access to people in administrative positions, and a mechanism for crisis intervention.