Title

Clinical Applications of SYMLOG: A Graphic System of Observing Relationships.

Authors

Kutner, Saul S.; Kirsch, Ruth D.

Abstract

The article provides information on the application of Systematic Multiple Level Observation of Groups (SYMLOG), a type of graphic method for observing relationships, in the field of social service. It also presents assessment and rating of behavior through SYMLOG and features of the SYMLOG system and also illustration of how SYMLOG works. SYMLOG allows clinicians and members of a client system to assess and rate behavior retrospectively. In addition, there is also an act-by-act scoring method. Using three dimensions expressed as polarities dominant versus submissive, friendly versus unfriendly, and instrumentally controlled versus emotionally expressive, both methods yield raw scores that are used to plot two-dimensional field diagrams that portray the dynamics of interaction. Finally, the system affords different levels of observation, overt behavior and values. SYMLOG synthesizes diverse concepts, motivation and personality theory, individual perceptions, polarization unification from social cognition and balance theory as pointed.

Subjects

INTERPERSONAL relations; HUMAN behavior; SOCIAL services; GRAPHIC methods; PSYCHOMETRICS; GRAPHIC statics

Publication

Social Work, 1985, Vol 30, Issue 6, p497

ISSN

0037-8046

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1093/sw/30.6.497