A STUDY OF FIVE PROBLEM CASES Eston V.
The American
ciple
Tubes, Ph.D., Director- of Curriculum, Chicago Public Schools people
are
of universal education.
thoroughly
committed to the prin-
of money are being spent schools. As the burdens of taxa-
Vast
sums
each year to maintain our public tion increase, intelligent citizens are
coming more and more to ask the question, "Is the community receiving an adequate return for the generous outlays it is lavishing upon the schools?" This is symptomatic of a feeling on the part of the taxpayer that the schools are lacking in efficiency and that they are not rendering the type of service demanded by a social organization that is constantly increasing in complexity. Indeed there is a good deal of damaging evidence at hand which indicates quite clearly that this suspicion is well founded. In the field of administration, there is a conspicuous lack of co-ordination of school functions and a prodigal waste in the expenditure of funds. Teaching methods and procedures in most of
our schools are archaic and antediluvian. One of the great problems confronting educators at the present time, is that of adjusting the school to the interests and the needs of boys and girls. Within recent years, substantial progress has
been made to enrich the program of studies, and to vitalize the subjects taught. More and more attention is being given to the
physical well-being of school children, and there is increasing intermental, moral, and social natures of school children. In view of the fact that human failures are costing at least $500,000,0001 more annually than we are spending to enable people to be self-supporting and successful, we cannot fail to realize that serious consideration should be given to the reconstruction of our social service organizations, and an effort made to convert human liabilities into assets. The business acumen of the American people is beginning to assert itself in the administration of our schools. Of all the intriguing problems in the field of school management there is none more inviting and at the same time more challenging than that of adjusting the pupil to the work of the school. Sometimes this problem takes on the form of organizing the work of the school to conform to the needs of the pupil. Society est in the
1
Groszmann, Maxmilian
P. E.?1' The
Exceptional Child," p.
7.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
250
cannot afford to wait until
before
an
effort is made to
one
save
of its members becomes derelict him.
It is then too late.
Some
reliable authorities estimate the annual cost of crime in the United States to be
approximately $13,000,000,000.
The annual
expendi-
ture for education is less than one-sixth of this amount.
School boards and superintendents have been altogether too much absorbed in matters which have to do with buildings, equipment, supplies, salary schedules, and other problems which have to do with the material side of education. These interests have effectively kept in the background the needs of the individual pupil. There are, however, many indications that a new day is dawning. to realize that every boy and girl is a potential It is of the utmost importance that they be trained propproblem. erly and surrounded by wholesome influences during their early Education in its final analysis is an individual years in school.
We
are
coming
It is more economical, to be sure, to educate children in But in each group, no matter how small, individual differvery quickly assert themselves.
matter.
groups. ences
mentally defective children is much greater people imagine. In the most extreme of such cases, the inherent implications postulate institutional treatment. In the great majority of cases human failures, whether they be simply ineffectives or criminals, cannot be laid solely to defects of mental constitution. Many persons, who in many respects are well endowed in the matter of ability, have failed because their environment was not of the right sort. Frequently the social relationships into which some children are born all but preclude normal physical and moral development. Some social derelicts are the victims of their own misdirected energies. The mistake is too often made by many people of assuming that the denizens of the underworld are totally lacking in all forms of morality, honor, and intelligence. Our most dangerous criminals There are certain codes of honorable conare uncannily brilliant. duct they live up to with religious devotion. In many instances, victims of the law are potentials gone wrong. Very frequently the conviction is thrust upon thinking people that some who have become social pariahs and derelicts would very probably have developed normally had they been given the opportunity of living in an environment that was clean, wholesome and upbuilding. Between the two extremes of the brilliant pupil on the one The number of
than most
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
251
hand and the subnormal on the other, there is the great multitude of youth with its infinite variation in attitudes, abilities, physical and mental characteristics together with a multiplicity of moral and emotional complexes. Each one is reacting in his own individual way to the forces that are playing upon him, and his life is being shaped accordingly. In our schools we are forced more by circumstances than by choice to pour all the children into one mould. This process may be economical, but it tends to uniformity of product. It is not only futile but dangerous to attempt to repress the highly imaginative individual, the organizer, the master of abstract mental processes to the level of mediocrity. Some way must be found to give a more intensive and personal consideration to the individual as such. The solution of this problem must go to the very bottom of our educational practice and procedure. The exceptionally brilliant child will, in a large measure, give tone and direction to the progress of events of his own generation. His outstanding mental characteristics defy both conformity and mediocrity. The "average" or "general run" type constitutes the great mass of the population. This is the group that is usually patient, stable, and dependable. For the most part they
able to make their
own way in the world without a great deal the part of or danger to society. The slow, backward child who must wage life's battles under serious handicaps and in are
of effort
on
unfavorable environment is deserving of all the interest and help which our educational and social service organizations can extend to him. an
taking up for consideration the individual cases studied investigation, there are two important points which need to be emphasized, as they constitute the background that must be kept in mind in arriving at conclusions. The first factor is social in character and the second consideration is the influence of heredity. The district in which these children live is essentially foreign. The chief element composing the population is Jewish. There is a wide range of other nationalities including Lithuanians, Poles, Bohemians, Swiss, Greeks, Italians, Swedes, and negroes. A very large part of the adult population were immigrants and quite a number of the older children were born in Europe. The outstanding and most important fact relating to these people is that they have been unable to adjust themselves to the crowded factory district conditions in which they live. Their earning capacity for the most part Before
in this
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
252
Being of the unskilled working class they are subject to the irregular employment. In order to make both ends meet they are often forced to live under congested and sometimes revolting conditions. The mother frequently contributes toward the family income by taking in boarders. It is not unusual for as many as fifteen people to live in three rooms. Wherever there is close habitation of children and adults there is a resultant breaking down of modesty. Brazen exposure of person marks the beginning of looseness in personal relationships. This leads to immorality which sooner or later results in social disease and degeneracy. This has a direct bearing upon the second factor, namely?heredity. Heredity explains a great many things in the lives of children who are either physically or mentally subnormal. Dr. Herman Bundesen, former Health Commissioner of Chicago, made a determined effort to direct the attention of the people of the City to the ravages of social diseases, and the tremendous heritage of feeble-mindedness, degeneracy, and crime which are transmitted from one generation to another. Perhaps the best known illustration of the transmission of physical and moral degeneracy is that of the well-known Kallikak family. It should be is low.
hazards of
borne in mind that this is
an extreme
case, and must therefore be
accepted only after due allowances have been made. On the congested West Side of Chicago the same degenerating processes are at work. Ample proof of this statement is to be found in the cases studied in this investigation. It is of paramount importance that public attention be centered upon this festering situation and that something be done to save the children who are the innocent victims of vicious social conditions. This study was undertaken in the hope that some insight might gained into the methods and technique in arriving at intelligent judgments in dealing with problem cases. The five children chosen as subjects for this investigation were selected from the files of be
the Institute for Juvenile Research. minded children
that
for the
reason
ment.
The school
Morons and other feeble-
These were rejected purposely passed are for subjects special institutional treatthey over.
were
do very little for this type of individual. girl were selected for the purposes of this
can
Four boys and one study. Their ages ranged from twelve to fifteen years. Three were attending the Foster School and the other two were enrolled in the Spalding School for Crippled Children. The problem of ad-
FIVE PROBLEM CASES in all five
justment
253
definite and
pressing one at Each child was under careinvestigation ful observation for a period of one and a half hours. Three sustained application profiles were made for each pupil in different cases was a very
the time the
was
made.
recitations and under somewhat varied conditions.
The investi-
gator talked with the teachers of these children and the principals of the schools they were attending regarding their personal characteristics and
Conferences
the four
were
family history. boys during which they
were
questioned
arranged with intimately
rather
in order to ascertain first hand what their interests were, and to get information that could hardly be procured in any other
through personal observation and contact with the children studied by the investigator was supplemented by statements of teachers, principals, truant officers, and school nurses. The records of the Foster and the Spalding Schools way.
were
The information secured
drawn upon, and
some
of the data
were
obtained at the Insti-
tute for Juvenile Research.
Any conclusions that were justified by the facts and all suggestions by the teachers of these children as to remedial measures were carefully considered, and an attempt made to work out adjustments that would enable these pupils to develop into the kind of citizens we need so much to have in a democracy such as ours. The detailed personal records of the pupils studied are as fol-
lows: Case I.?Samuel G-. The father was born in Russia in 1868. He died of the stomach in 1920. He was shiftless and illiterate. The mother was born in Russia in 1868. Both parents were of Jewish descent. Before the death of the father, the mother had to
Heredity:
of
cancer
help support the family. Until recently the mother and was strong energetic. She earns the living for the family by selling fish in the Maxwell Street market, and by taking in boarders. She can neither read nor write. There are six children in the family?four boys and two girls. One of the boys is of low intelliwork out to
one of the girls has been classed as a low grade moron. tendency toward tuberculosis on the mother's side. Social History: The family lives in a six-room flat, and pay In the winter they a rental of twenty-three dollars a month. live mostly in two rooms in order to keep down coal bills. Needless
gence, and
There is
a
to say, the home conditions are terrible.
The meals
are
prepared
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
254
irregularly, kempt. On
and the the
day
rooms
in which
that Samuel
was
they
live
are
dirty
and
un-
under observation he stated
that his breakfast that morning consisted of coffee and two pickles. For supper the evening before he had coffee and biscuits. He said he couldn't drink milk.
Developmental History: Samuel was born in Chicago in 1911. was in good health during pregnancy, and the child was
The mother
breastfed for fourteen months, three
or
stomach
When two years of age he had
probably due to teething or a deranged Development during early childhood on the normal. Some evidences of precocity.
four convulsions or
both.
whole seemed to be
Physical Condition: Samuel is at the present time thirteen pounds under weight and is four inches under height. His teeth are bad, he has pediculosis, catches cold easily, and is poorly developed. His clothes were filthy and ragged. He complains a good deal of headache and hurting in his stomach. Psychological Examination: Samuel's chronological age is 12 He has
years. gence
a
mental age of 8 years and 11 months. His intelliHis reactions were responsive and quick but
is 87.
quotient
somewhat inaccurate and unreflective.
His
vocabulary
is very
limited. Personal: This boy is a real problem case. His teacher told me his mother has very little control over him. He is subject to fits of anger, and while in a tantrum he strikes and beats his mother. He goes to the movies nearly every night. Very frequently he stays for three performances. This means that he is out until ten thirty He says he gets his money or eleven o 'clock several nights a week. to go to the movies from men who
the habit is not
are
drunk.
He smokes some, but
fixed.
strongly principal informed me that Samuel was a sex case, and this was confirmed by the records of the Institute for Juvenile Research. He is very frank and open in talking of his sex experiences. He has related incidents with girls of his age in an old shed in the vicinity of Maxwell Street. He justifies these acts on the ground that it is a common practice among his associates. No doubt he has His
seen more or own
home.
less indecent behavior
on
the part of grown-ups in his depended upon to tell
His teacher says he cannot be
the truth. His ideal to be
a
man
is
Douglas Fairbanks,
movie actor when he gets
a
and he has ambitions
little older.
He likes to
play
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
255
games. He says he can ran for hours at a stretch He has read a good many books. Black tired. and get He likes to read about the Brownies. Arithfavorite. his Beauty is metic is his best-liked subject. He always gets a hundred in seat
ball and
hunting
never
and blackboard work. He doesn't dislike any subject. Conclusions: Samuel seems to have gotten a good start in childhood
doubt these
were
resulted in
neglect and In spite of
nutrition.
weight, were
early
At two years of age his troubles began. No due to ignorance on the part of the mother which
physically.
lack of
care.
This is
a
clear
case
of mal-
the fact that he is undersize and under-
he could be built up physically if the proper opportunity The school could do nothing better than install
afforded him.
baths, if Samuel were required to take a bath every day by a rest of a half hour after the bath the effect would be decidedly wholesome. Although the subject has been guilty of gross immorality, he is not a court case. It is very evident that as a result of his poor physical background he has clearly developed symptoms of being an emotional problem. Little can be expected in the way of favorable development so long as he must live in such hopeless home environment. Under present conditions the school cannot be expected to do much to help this unfortunate lad. An open air room would undoubtedly prove a benefit for Samuel. shower
followed
Case II.?Mary L.
Heredity: Father is 40 years of age, and was born in Russia. He has been in the United States for sixteen years and has taken out his first citizenship papers. His physical condition is poor. Pie is troubled with asthma and bronchitis; has a chronic cough. Has only partial eyes.
be
a
eye
sight.
Can neither read
good
father and
a
Two nor
operations have been performed Temperamentally, he seems
write.
on
to
considerate husband.
The mother is thirty-eight years of age. Birthplace was in Came to the United States sixteen years ago. She worries good deal. Is somewhat rheumatic. She helps the husband at
Russia. a
his fruit stand
on
Maxwell Street.
She is
uncooperative. Both parents are Jewish. Six children have been born in the
illiterate,
excitable and
family. Four are living. One brother is feeble-minded. He had convulsions when teething. Quit school when twelve years of age to work in a paint factory. He seems to be in good health.
256
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC Social
History:
The
called
home.
live in four small rooms which can The rental is twelve dollars a month. water in the house, but no bath or toilet
family
hardly be They have
gas and
facilities.
The mother does
a
running
which
a
good
deal of
nagging
in the home
less upset all the time. keeps things Developinent History: Mary walked and talked when she nine months old. She had whooping cough and measles when
was
she
more
eight
was
or
years of age.
She has tubercular
glands.
Ton-
removed three years ago. She has pediculosis capitis. Her vision is somewhat defective, her left eye being irregular in outline. sils
were
Her teeth and she
are
in
good
seems to
condition. Her
development
has been
normal,
be well nourished.
Psychological
Examination:
Mary's chronological
age is four-
Her mental age is a little over twelve quotient is 82. She should be classed as
teen years and nine months.
Her
years.
intelligence
dull and backward. Personal: Mary's teacher says that at the beginning of the school year she was a difficult problem. She used to fight a great deal with the boys. Her clothes were dirty and filthy. The better
girls
in her
in the
room
girl. good
shunned her.
The teacher took
a
personal
interest
home, and in other ways got the teacher prevailed upon the other
She invited her to her
into her
graces. Finally to be more friendly toward
Mary. The general result has quite satisfactory. She now takes a great deal of pride in dressing neatly and in good taste. I was very greatly surprised when Mary was pointed out to me as a problem case. Her general appearance was not at all what one would naturally expect in one who had been selected as a problem case. Mary's principal stated that she had been immoral, particularly last summer. It appears that a decided transformation has girls been
come
about since last fall.
Her attitude toward her school work
be very good. The teacher depends a great deal upon to take the attendance and many other things that need to
seems to
Mary
be done in connection with the routine of the school work. I
was
as to
in the who
room
were
the teacher asked the
planning
Mary's hand went up that her ability to do She
on
to go to
high
both of these
pupils
for
a
While
show of hands
school and then to
college. propositions. I should say seriously open to question.
college work is is at present in the eighth grade. Conclusions: Through the personal
interest of the teacher
a
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
257
good piece of work has been done in the way of adjusting the subject to her school environment. The present moment is critical with this girl. If she could be placed in a different home atmosphere the gains which the teacher has been able to bring about could be Under the proper conditions and with sufficient encouragement, she should develop to the level of average ability and accomplishment. The fact that she has tubercular glands requires that she should be under the doctor's care. Eyes should be ex-
consolidated.
amined
by
an
oculist. Case III.?David R.
The father is fifty-two years of age, and was born He has lived in the United States for twenty-nine years citizen. Deals in real estate. Religious affiliation is Catho-
Heredity: in Poland. and is
a
punishes subject frequently. The father is domineering and arbitrary in the home. Is not considerate of the mother. Gets drunk every two weeks. Seems to be in good health. The mother is forty-eight years of age. Born in Poland. Belongs to Catholic church. Health seems to be good, but she is of a nervous disposition. She cries without much provocation. Seems lic.
He
to live in
great fear of husband.
All discontinued are six children and all are boys. school work in upper grades to go to work. The oldest son is a boiler-maker and earns forty-five dollars a week. He is married and has two children. Is healthy and strong. The second son who There
is
twenty-four years of age Is a good steady worker.
served time in the navy during the war. The third son is twenty-two years old,
and lives at home.
He is assistant foreman in a paper-box factory. is "hot headed" and excitable. He drinks occasionally. The third son is a cook on a diner in the service of the Northwestern Railway Co. He was delinquent while in school being arrested five This
boy
larceny. He was never taken before the juvenile He is steady and industrious. He takes a great deal of interest in David, and cooperates to the fullest possible extent with the school authorities in dealing with his youngest brother who was one of the subjects of this investigation. This lad is regarded by David's teacher as the "boss" of the family. There is a fifth boy fifteen years old who is now in the eighth grade. He is described as a good boy, and is doing excellent school work. Social History: Two of the sons being married there are only six in the home at present. The family lives in five rooms of a times for petty court, however.
258
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
building which they themselves own. They have some modern conveniences.
Home conditions The
are
fair.
is not
neighborhood
of the best.
ing ing
Developmental History: There is subject or the
to the birth of the
no
information at hand relat-
condition of the mother dur-
pregnancy. David had influenza about two years ago. Subsequent to this illness he had sleeping sickness and is now suffering from post-encephalitis. He has a crooked neck, and holds his head to one side as a result of this.
Physical Examination: The subject's eyes are somewhat defective. The pupils are unequal in size. They do not react quickly to light. Teeth are in poor condition. Enlarged tonsils. His muscles are rigid. Reflexes are exaggerated. Middle brain affected. Psychological Test: The chronological age of the subject is ten His mental age is nine years and eleven months. intelligence quotient of 98.
years. an
Personal: David is
friendly
and
cooperative.
He has
He is very fond
of his teacher, Miss 0 'Brian, although she sometimes has difficulty with him when he gets "mad." He is alert and responsive in an-
swering questions. His replies are quickly given, but not always to point. He is highly temperamental. When he first came to the Spalding School he made things very interesting for the teacher.
the He
was
put
out of one school because of misconduct.
to be very considerate of others.
the streets. than most
He
spends
He
lots of his time
seems
running
He knows the loop district of Chicago much better living in the city. He has had a broad experience
men
which has not been
particularly wholesome for a boy of his age. nearly every day in the neighborhood of his
He attends the movies home and in the loop.
His home habits are very loose. He stays and doesn't nights get enough sleep for his own good. His mother is at present rather frail, but she does what she can for David. His diet has been regulated at home in accordance with the recommendations of the school nurse. He has a bath at school out late
day, and has a rest period after the bath. Miss 0'Brian expedient has worked wonders with the boy. At first he was very recalcitrant about taking the baths, but he is always glad to go to the shower now. He likes to play baseball and basketball. His ambition is to be a chauffeur. He likes arithmetic and history, but is only fair in arithmetic. He runs errands to earn money. He gambles considerably. He is fond of music, and sings well for a boy his age. every
says this
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
259
Conclusions: This is primarily an emotional case. Particular attention should be given to this side of the boy's nature in order that the proper direction may be given to wholesome reactions and responses.
The teacher
doing just this thing in a very understands the subject, and is doing a
seems to
be
intelligent manner. She piece of constructive work with this individual. His habits of running the streets and staying out late nights should be displaced with others that are more wholesome. The corrective measThe ures relative to diet and cleanliness are being carried out. is of the examination that shows capable subject psychological but marks are school work. The school special good, doing good attention is needed in arithmetic. Eyes should be examined by an
fine
oculist. Case IV.?Tony L. The father
Heredity:
was
born in
Italy,
and is
thirty-five
affiliation is with the Catholic church. He has been in the United States seven years. Is rather easygoing. Bears the reputation of being a kind husband and a good father. Is literate. He works in a freight house and is in good
years of age.
His
religious
health. The mother is twenty-eight years of age, and was born in Bohemia. She has been in the United States only five years. Is a member of the Catholic church. She is impatient and quick tem-
pered. Slaps telligent.
the children upon
slight provocation.
Rather in-
There
are four children in the family?three boys and one All the children are in good health. Teachers state that their conduct and attitude are very good.
girl.
Social
History:
The
family
lives in
a
four-room flat
on
the
and pays sixteen dollars a month rent. The rooms are good size. Plenty of window space. Most modem conveniences in home. They have lived in this one flat three years. The general third
floor,
character of the
neighborhood is good. Developmental History: Talked at one year of age. Crept at Has developed normally. Tony seven months; walked at one year. does not eat very much. His breakfast usually consists of bread and coffee. For lunch he has bread and eggs. At night he has soup and meat. He wears good clothes (for this neighborhood) and is neat in appearance. He has formed the habit of washing his teeth once a day. Is robust and well developed physically.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
2G0
Physical Examination: The subject has some stigmata. He low forehead, crooked teeth, adherent lobules, little hands and short stubby fingers. He had influenza when six years of age. His present state of health is good. Psychological Test: The chronological age is eight years. His mental age is seven years and eight months. He has an intelligence quotient of 101. Personal: This subject is a truant. In disposition, he is happy and sings a great deal. He enjoys teaching smaller children the has
a
songs he learns at school.
He cries without much
cause.
When he
punished he will cry for a time, and then will remain stolid and quiet for hours at a time. He is considerate of others. When there is sickness in the family he is always anxious to help and wait on the one who is ill. At times he says he wants to be a priest, but on the day I interviewed him he expressed the desire of becoming an auto mechanic. He is well thought of by teachers and those who know him, although he showed some disposition toward misconduct the day I observed him. He does not take any interest in girls. His principal told me that he was known to have been guilty of sex practices with other boys. When questioned he answered in a rather low, subdued voice. He was not talkative although he answered all the questions that he was asked. He likes to play baseball. He likes to read such books as "Skinny Harris on a Venture," "Scout Burton," and the "Boy Soldier of 1812." He likes all school subjects although he is poor in arithmetic. Does not have the patience to go over work second time when he makes a mistake. He smokes cigarettes. After admitting that he did smoke cigarettes he followed this up by saying that smoking "spoils your brain." During the past year Tony has done considerable stealing. He has been taking candy, gum, milk, and other things from the neighis
*
borhood stores. taken
as
book.
candy,
much
as
He also steals money from his mother. He has twenty dollars at a time from his mother's pocket-
He gets his closest friends, and treats them generously to sodas, etc., and then they all take in the movies. Several
weeks ago his mother gave him seventy-five cents to go to the drug store and buy some medicine needed in the home. Tony went to two movie shows, staying out late, and when he returned he had neither the medicine
doing, everything.
He always denies any wrong whips him, and then he confesses usually
nor
but his father
the money.
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
261
Sometimes he plays truant from school for a week at a time. He goes to school very much against his own will. The teachers report his conduct and scholarship as both being good, but he is absent
much of the time that he does not do the
quality of school capable. His associates are thoroughly bad. There is a gang of boys in the community that is headed by a boy whose first name is John. He seems to exercise a powerful influence over the other boys. Whenever Tony steals anything he always divides the haul with John. John is the oldest boy of the group. He leads, and the other boys do what he does. It was through John's initiative that Tony first played truant from school. Some of the older persons who are interested in Tony have so
work of which he is
made attempts to get him under the influence of Hull House. Some time ago he was enrolled in a wood-carving class at Hull House, and seemed to
enjoy the work. Conclusion: A close check should be made on Tony to see that he attends school regularly. He should be enrolled in as many recreational activities as possible. The intelligence quotient is high enough for him to do better than average work in school. The one important thing with Tony is to keep him away from and beyond the influence of his associates. The power of the gang leader is bringing about the ruin of this lad. This power must be broken or this boy will surely be a liability to society and not an
asset.
Case V.?Tito V. an Italian. He is a Catholic, and is good throughout the community. He runs an elevator in one of the office buildings in the loop. He earns twenty dollars a week. He takes a good deal of interest in his family. Is a good husband and father. The mother is also Italian. Her condition is not at all good. She is subject to fits of despondency. These are particularly severe during pregnancy. The school nurse said the mother had delusions of persecution by the husband. There are eight children in the family. Social History: The home conditions are described as moderately fair. The mother has struggled hard to make a good home for the husband and the children, but she was not equal to the task either physically or mentaly. She constantly interferes with the
Heredity:
illiterate.
His
The father is
reputation
is
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
262
father when he attempts to correct the child for any misdemeanor misconduct.
or
Developmental History: Very little information was procurable regarding the subject's developmental history. At some time during the early childhood of subject he was stricken with infantile paralysis. His right leg was crippled. He wears a brace constantly. Aside from this, the boy seemed to be rugged and strong. He appears to have plenty of wholesome food at home. His clothes were
clean and well made.
Physical Examination: His teeth are in bad condition. Enlarged tonsils. Slight visual defects in both eyes. Psychological Test: Tito's chronological age is fourteen years. He has a mental age of only nine years. His intelligence quotient is 65. He is classed as feeble-minded in the group of high grade moron.
His reactions
Personal: Tito is
are
slow and immature for his age. He cannot sit still
fidgety and restless. studying. He is not
long
allowed to go out much. His home is in the crowded Italian quarter. The subject is in the fifth grade, but his teacher feels, as do the others with whom I
enough
to do effective
just about reached the limit of his ability in They have been unable to detect very much imfor several months. However, he is beginning to do provement better work in manual training. It would seem advisable for his energies to be turned in the direction of vocational training. He attends the movies about once a week. He likes very much to play baseball. The work that is being done in the school clinic in restoring the crippled children of the Spalding School is most remarkable. At a certain time in the morning of each day Tito goes to the clinic where his crippled leg is massaged and exercised in order to bring back the circulation and build up the muscles. He is always anxious to do any chore or errand he can for the teacher. His attitude is very cooperative. Conclusions: One of the chief benefits the subject can derive from attending school is the treatment he receives in the clinic. talked,
that he has
academic work.
This is invaluable.
He should be taken to the oculist to have his
energies should be directed toward some form of wood-working, or metal work as he cannot profit much more by further study of academic subjects. In addition to physical defects noted, there is undoubtedly some emotional disturbance here that has not been fully recognized. The boy should be carefully examined by a psychiatrist, eyes tested. His manual training,
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
263
There are two points that stand out very prominently in all five of the problem eases studied, namely?heredity and environment. In going through hundreds of files at the Institute for Juvenile Research these two
things impressed themselves idelibly upon investigator. If society could correct these conditions, thousands of children, living and unborn, would be saved the mind of the
for honorable lives and useful service for mankind. As was pointed out in an earlier part of this paper, the cost of delinquency and The policy that has obtained in the past these conditions has been wasteful in the extreme. We
crime is tremendous.
regarding
must come to realize a
soon
situation where human
jails, asylums, In all the
that it is far
beings
can
live
more
economical to have than it is to build
decently
and almshouses.
studied, there heredity has had can be of Nothing greater import of children than a careful study cases
influence which
are
very clear evidences of
the
in the lives of these children. in the education and training of the
early
manifestation of
their nervous responses which lie at the basis of character formations. We need to analyze the emotions of individual children in their elemental state. Practically all very young children The eviare normal so far as neural responses are concerned. dence shows that all five of these children started life under favorable conditions. The circumstances surrounding the pregnancy of the
mothers, with one exception, seemed to be perfectly At about the time they were emerging from the infant stage their troubles seemed to begin. These were due in a large measure to the ignorance of the mothers. This was the time when normal.
These are the days was being given to the future adult. when the experiences of the child fundamentally influence the character and temperament of the man or woman. The facts brought out by this study emphasizes the intimate the trend
relationship that exists between physical defects and the quality of work children do in school. In a large measure, the same statement holds true of environment. John Munroe asserts that, taken in childhood, an individual's life can be made over three or four This is the time when society must do its work in directing potential citizens in right paths. He has come to the conclusion that environment has a great deal to do with the intelligence quotient times.
particular boy or girl. depending upon the character of any
associates.
It may be either raised or lowered of the environment and the type of
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
264
In the schools of tomorrow, more attention will be given to the individual child. This problem is fundamental. If it is attacked intelligently and scientifically the net result will be a general ton-
ing
up of
society
as a
of individual units.
of,
a
great
whole
as
the social group is
When this situation is
only a composite adequately taken care
economy in both money and human life will have been
affected and human
happiness
and
joy
will much
more
abound.
The American
ciple
Tubes, Ph.D., Director- of Curriculum, Chicago Public Schools people
are
of universal education.
thoroughly
committed to the prin-
of money are being spent schools. As the burdens of taxa-
Vast
sums
each year to maintain our public tion increase, intelligent citizens are
coming more and more to ask the question, "Is the community receiving an adequate return for the generous outlays it is lavishing upon the schools?" This is symptomatic of a feeling on the part of the taxpayer that the schools are lacking in efficiency and that they are not rendering the type of service demanded by a social organization that is constantly increasing in complexity. Indeed there is a good deal of damaging evidence at hand which indicates quite clearly that this suspicion is well founded. In the field of administration, there is a conspicuous lack of co-ordination of school functions and a prodigal waste in the expenditure of funds. Teaching methods and procedures in most of
our schools are archaic and antediluvian. One of the great problems confronting educators at the present time, is that of adjusting the school to the interests and the needs of boys and girls. Within recent years, substantial progress has
been made to enrich the program of studies, and to vitalize the subjects taught. More and more attention is being given to the
physical well-being of school children, and there is increasing intermental, moral, and social natures of school children. In view of the fact that human failures are costing at least $500,000,0001 more annually than we are spending to enable people to be self-supporting and successful, we cannot fail to realize that serious consideration should be given to the reconstruction of our social service organizations, and an effort made to convert human liabilities into assets. The business acumen of the American people is beginning to assert itself in the administration of our schools. Of all the intriguing problems in the field of school management there is none more inviting and at the same time more challenging than that of adjusting the pupil to the work of the school. Sometimes this problem takes on the form of organizing the work of the school to conform to the needs of the pupil. Society est in the
1
Groszmann, Maxmilian
P. E.?1' The
Exceptional Child," p.
7.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
250
cannot afford to wait until
before
an
effort is made to
one
save
of its members becomes derelict him.
It is then too late.
Some
reliable authorities estimate the annual cost of crime in the United States to be
approximately $13,000,000,000.
The annual
expendi-
ture for education is less than one-sixth of this amount.
School boards and superintendents have been altogether too much absorbed in matters which have to do with buildings, equipment, supplies, salary schedules, and other problems which have to do with the material side of education. These interests have effectively kept in the background the needs of the individual pupil. There are, however, many indications that a new day is dawning. to realize that every boy and girl is a potential It is of the utmost importance that they be trained propproblem. erly and surrounded by wholesome influences during their early Education in its final analysis is an individual years in school.
We
are
coming
It is more economical, to be sure, to educate children in But in each group, no matter how small, individual differvery quickly assert themselves.
matter.
groups. ences
mentally defective children is much greater people imagine. In the most extreme of such cases, the inherent implications postulate institutional treatment. In the great majority of cases human failures, whether they be simply ineffectives or criminals, cannot be laid solely to defects of mental constitution. Many persons, who in many respects are well endowed in the matter of ability, have failed because their environment was not of the right sort. Frequently the social relationships into which some children are born all but preclude normal physical and moral development. Some social derelicts are the victims of their own misdirected energies. The mistake is too often made by many people of assuming that the denizens of the underworld are totally lacking in all forms of morality, honor, and intelligence. Our most dangerous criminals There are certain codes of honorable conare uncannily brilliant. duct they live up to with religious devotion. In many instances, victims of the law are potentials gone wrong. Very frequently the conviction is thrust upon thinking people that some who have become social pariahs and derelicts would very probably have developed normally had they been given the opportunity of living in an environment that was clean, wholesome and upbuilding. Between the two extremes of the brilliant pupil on the one The number of
than most
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
251
hand and the subnormal on the other, there is the great multitude of youth with its infinite variation in attitudes, abilities, physical and mental characteristics together with a multiplicity of moral and emotional complexes. Each one is reacting in his own individual way to the forces that are playing upon him, and his life is being shaped accordingly. In our schools we are forced more by circumstances than by choice to pour all the children into one mould. This process may be economical, but it tends to uniformity of product. It is not only futile but dangerous to attempt to repress the highly imaginative individual, the organizer, the master of abstract mental processes to the level of mediocrity. Some way must be found to give a more intensive and personal consideration to the individual as such. The solution of this problem must go to the very bottom of our educational practice and procedure. The exceptionally brilliant child will, in a large measure, give tone and direction to the progress of events of his own generation. His outstanding mental characteristics defy both conformity and mediocrity. The "average" or "general run" type constitutes the great mass of the population. This is the group that is usually patient, stable, and dependable. For the most part they
able to make their
own way in the world without a great deal the part of or danger to society. The slow, backward child who must wage life's battles under serious handicaps and in are
of effort
on
unfavorable environment is deserving of all the interest and help which our educational and social service organizations can extend to him. an
taking up for consideration the individual cases studied investigation, there are two important points which need to be emphasized, as they constitute the background that must be kept in mind in arriving at conclusions. The first factor is social in character and the second consideration is the influence of heredity. The district in which these children live is essentially foreign. The chief element composing the population is Jewish. There is a wide range of other nationalities including Lithuanians, Poles, Bohemians, Swiss, Greeks, Italians, Swedes, and negroes. A very large part of the adult population were immigrants and quite a number of the older children were born in Europe. The outstanding and most important fact relating to these people is that they have been unable to adjust themselves to the crowded factory district conditions in which they live. Their earning capacity for the most part Before
in this
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
252
Being of the unskilled working class they are subject to the irregular employment. In order to make both ends meet they are often forced to live under congested and sometimes revolting conditions. The mother frequently contributes toward the family income by taking in boarders. It is not unusual for as many as fifteen people to live in three rooms. Wherever there is close habitation of children and adults there is a resultant breaking down of modesty. Brazen exposure of person marks the beginning of looseness in personal relationships. This leads to immorality which sooner or later results in social disease and degeneracy. This has a direct bearing upon the second factor, namely?heredity. Heredity explains a great many things in the lives of children who are either physically or mentally subnormal. Dr. Herman Bundesen, former Health Commissioner of Chicago, made a determined effort to direct the attention of the people of the City to the ravages of social diseases, and the tremendous heritage of feeble-mindedness, degeneracy, and crime which are transmitted from one generation to another. Perhaps the best known illustration of the transmission of physical and moral degeneracy is that of the well-known Kallikak family. It should be is low.
hazards of
borne in mind that this is
an extreme
case, and must therefore be
accepted only after due allowances have been made. On the congested West Side of Chicago the same degenerating processes are at work. Ample proof of this statement is to be found in the cases studied in this investigation. It is of paramount importance that public attention be centered upon this festering situation and that something be done to save the children who are the innocent victims of vicious social conditions. This study was undertaken in the hope that some insight might gained into the methods and technique in arriving at intelligent judgments in dealing with problem cases. The five children chosen as subjects for this investigation were selected from the files of be
the Institute for Juvenile Research. minded children
that
for the
reason
ment.
The school
Morons and other feeble-
These were rejected purposely passed are for subjects special institutional treatthey over.
were
do very little for this type of individual. girl were selected for the purposes of this
can
Four boys and one study. Their ages ranged from twelve to fifteen years. Three were attending the Foster School and the other two were enrolled in the Spalding School for Crippled Children. The problem of ad-
FIVE PROBLEM CASES in all five
justment
253
definite and
pressing one at Each child was under careinvestigation ful observation for a period of one and a half hours. Three sustained application profiles were made for each pupil in different cases was a very
the time the
was
made.
recitations and under somewhat varied conditions.
The investi-
gator talked with the teachers of these children and the principals of the schools they were attending regarding their personal characteristics and
Conferences
the four
were
family history. boys during which they
were
questioned
arranged with intimately
rather
in order to ascertain first hand what their interests were, and to get information that could hardly be procured in any other
through personal observation and contact with the children studied by the investigator was supplemented by statements of teachers, principals, truant officers, and school nurses. The records of the Foster and the Spalding Schools way.
were
The information secured
drawn upon, and
some
of the data
were
obtained at the Insti-
tute for Juvenile Research.
Any conclusions that were justified by the facts and all suggestions by the teachers of these children as to remedial measures were carefully considered, and an attempt made to work out adjustments that would enable these pupils to develop into the kind of citizens we need so much to have in a democracy such as ours. The detailed personal records of the pupils studied are as fol-
lows: Case I.?Samuel G-. The father was born in Russia in 1868. He died of the stomach in 1920. He was shiftless and illiterate. The mother was born in Russia in 1868. Both parents were of Jewish descent. Before the death of the father, the mother had to
Heredity:
of
cancer
help support the family. Until recently the mother and was strong energetic. She earns the living for the family by selling fish in the Maxwell Street market, and by taking in boarders. She can neither read nor write. There are six children in the family?four boys and two girls. One of the boys is of low intelliwork out to
one of the girls has been classed as a low grade moron. tendency toward tuberculosis on the mother's side. Social History: The family lives in a six-room flat, and pay In the winter they a rental of twenty-three dollars a month. live mostly in two rooms in order to keep down coal bills. Needless
gence, and
There is
a
to say, the home conditions are terrible.
The meals
are
prepared
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
254
irregularly, kempt. On
and the the
day
rooms
in which
that Samuel
was
they
live
are
dirty
and
un-
under observation he stated
that his breakfast that morning consisted of coffee and two pickles. For supper the evening before he had coffee and biscuits. He said he couldn't drink milk.
Developmental History: Samuel was born in Chicago in 1911. was in good health during pregnancy, and the child was
The mother
breastfed for fourteen months, three
or
stomach
When two years of age he had
probably due to teething or a deranged Development during early childhood on the normal. Some evidences of precocity.
four convulsions or
both.
whole seemed to be
Physical Condition: Samuel is at the present time thirteen pounds under weight and is four inches under height. His teeth are bad, he has pediculosis, catches cold easily, and is poorly developed. His clothes were filthy and ragged. He complains a good deal of headache and hurting in his stomach. Psychological Examination: Samuel's chronological age is 12 He has
years. gence
a
mental age of 8 years and 11 months. His intelliHis reactions were responsive and quick but
is 87.
quotient
somewhat inaccurate and unreflective.
His
vocabulary
is very
limited. Personal: This boy is a real problem case. His teacher told me his mother has very little control over him. He is subject to fits of anger, and while in a tantrum he strikes and beats his mother. He goes to the movies nearly every night. Very frequently he stays for three performances. This means that he is out until ten thirty He says he gets his money or eleven o 'clock several nights a week. to go to the movies from men who
the habit is not
are
drunk.
He smokes some, but
fixed.
strongly principal informed me that Samuel was a sex case, and this was confirmed by the records of the Institute for Juvenile Research. He is very frank and open in talking of his sex experiences. He has related incidents with girls of his age in an old shed in the vicinity of Maxwell Street. He justifies these acts on the ground that it is a common practice among his associates. No doubt he has His
seen more or own
home.
less indecent behavior
on
the part of grown-ups in his depended upon to tell
His teacher says he cannot be
the truth. His ideal to be
a
man
is
Douglas Fairbanks,
movie actor when he gets
a
and he has ambitions
little older.
He likes to
play
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
255
games. He says he can ran for hours at a stretch He has read a good many books. Black tired. and get He likes to read about the Brownies. Arithfavorite. his Beauty is metic is his best-liked subject. He always gets a hundred in seat
ball and
hunting
never
and blackboard work. He doesn't dislike any subject. Conclusions: Samuel seems to have gotten a good start in childhood
doubt these
were
resulted in
neglect and In spite of
nutrition.
weight, were
early
At two years of age his troubles began. No due to ignorance on the part of the mother which
physically.
lack of
care.
This is
a
clear
case
of mal-
the fact that he is undersize and under-
he could be built up physically if the proper opportunity The school could do nothing better than install
afforded him.
baths, if Samuel were required to take a bath every day by a rest of a half hour after the bath the effect would be decidedly wholesome. Although the subject has been guilty of gross immorality, he is not a court case. It is very evident that as a result of his poor physical background he has clearly developed symptoms of being an emotional problem. Little can be expected in the way of favorable development so long as he must live in such hopeless home environment. Under present conditions the school cannot be expected to do much to help this unfortunate lad. An open air room would undoubtedly prove a benefit for Samuel. shower
followed
Case II.?Mary L.
Heredity: Father is 40 years of age, and was born in Russia. He has been in the United States for sixteen years and has taken out his first citizenship papers. His physical condition is poor. Pie is troubled with asthma and bronchitis; has a chronic cough. Has only partial eyes.
be
a
eye
sight.
Can neither read
good
father and
a
Two nor
operations have been performed Temperamentally, he seems
write.
on
to
considerate husband.
The mother is thirty-eight years of age. Birthplace was in Came to the United States sixteen years ago. She worries good deal. Is somewhat rheumatic. She helps the husband at
Russia. a
his fruit stand
on
Maxwell Street.
She is
uncooperative. Both parents are Jewish. Six children have been born in the
illiterate,
excitable and
family. Four are living. One brother is feeble-minded. He had convulsions when teething. Quit school when twelve years of age to work in a paint factory. He seems to be in good health.
256
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC Social
History:
The
called
home.
live in four small rooms which can The rental is twelve dollars a month. water in the house, but no bath or toilet
family
hardly be They have
gas and
facilities.
The mother does
a
running
which
a
good
deal of
nagging
in the home
less upset all the time. keeps things Developinent History: Mary walked and talked when she nine months old. She had whooping cough and measles when
was
she
more
eight
was
or
years of age.
She has tubercular
glands.
Ton-
removed three years ago. She has pediculosis capitis. Her vision is somewhat defective, her left eye being irregular in outline. sils
were
Her teeth and she
are
in
good
seems to
condition. Her
development
has been
normal,
be well nourished.
Psychological
Examination:
Mary's chronological
age is four-
Her mental age is a little over twelve quotient is 82. She should be classed as
teen years and nine months.
Her
years.
intelligence
dull and backward. Personal: Mary's teacher says that at the beginning of the school year she was a difficult problem. She used to fight a great deal with the boys. Her clothes were dirty and filthy. The better
girls
in her
in the
room
girl. good
shunned her.
The teacher took
a
personal
interest
home, and in other ways got the teacher prevailed upon the other
She invited her to her
into her
graces. Finally to be more friendly toward
Mary. The general result has quite satisfactory. She now takes a great deal of pride in dressing neatly and in good taste. I was very greatly surprised when Mary was pointed out to me as a problem case. Her general appearance was not at all what one would naturally expect in one who had been selected as a problem case. Mary's principal stated that she had been immoral, particularly last summer. It appears that a decided transformation has girls been
come
about since last fall.
Her attitude toward her school work
be very good. The teacher depends a great deal upon to take the attendance and many other things that need to
seems to
Mary
be done in connection with the routine of the school work. I
was
as to
in the who
room
were
the teacher asked the
planning
Mary's hand went up that her ability to do She
on
to go to
high
both of these
pupils
for
a
While
show of hands
school and then to
college. propositions. I should say seriously open to question.
college work is is at present in the eighth grade. Conclusions: Through the personal
interest of the teacher
a
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
257
good piece of work has been done in the way of adjusting the subject to her school environment. The present moment is critical with this girl. If she could be placed in a different home atmosphere the gains which the teacher has been able to bring about could be Under the proper conditions and with sufficient encouragement, she should develop to the level of average ability and accomplishment. The fact that she has tubercular glands requires that she should be under the doctor's care. Eyes should be ex-
consolidated.
amined
by
an
oculist. Case III.?David R.
The father is fifty-two years of age, and was born He has lived in the United States for twenty-nine years citizen. Deals in real estate. Religious affiliation is Catho-
Heredity: in Poland. and is
a
punishes subject frequently. The father is domineering and arbitrary in the home. Is not considerate of the mother. Gets drunk every two weeks. Seems to be in good health. The mother is forty-eight years of age. Born in Poland. Belongs to Catholic church. Health seems to be good, but she is of a nervous disposition. She cries without much provocation. Seems lic.
He
to live in
great fear of husband.
All discontinued are six children and all are boys. school work in upper grades to go to work. The oldest son is a boiler-maker and earns forty-five dollars a week. He is married and has two children. Is healthy and strong. The second son who There
is
twenty-four years of age Is a good steady worker.
served time in the navy during the war. The third son is twenty-two years old,
and lives at home.
He is assistant foreman in a paper-box factory. is "hot headed" and excitable. He drinks occasionally. The third son is a cook on a diner in the service of the Northwestern Railway Co. He was delinquent while in school being arrested five This
boy
larceny. He was never taken before the juvenile He is steady and industrious. He takes a great deal of interest in David, and cooperates to the fullest possible extent with the school authorities in dealing with his youngest brother who was one of the subjects of this investigation. This lad is regarded by David's teacher as the "boss" of the family. There is a fifth boy fifteen years old who is now in the eighth grade. He is described as a good boy, and is doing excellent school work. Social History: Two of the sons being married there are only six in the home at present. The family lives in five rooms of a times for petty court, however.
258
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
building which they themselves own. They have some modern conveniences.
Home conditions The
are
fair.
is not
neighborhood
of the best.
ing ing
Developmental History: There is subject or the
to the birth of the
no
information at hand relat-
condition of the mother dur-
pregnancy. David had influenza about two years ago. Subsequent to this illness he had sleeping sickness and is now suffering from post-encephalitis. He has a crooked neck, and holds his head to one side as a result of this.
Physical Examination: The subject's eyes are somewhat defective. The pupils are unequal in size. They do not react quickly to light. Teeth are in poor condition. Enlarged tonsils. His muscles are rigid. Reflexes are exaggerated. Middle brain affected. Psychological Test: The chronological age of the subject is ten His mental age is nine years and eleven months. intelligence quotient of 98.
years. an
Personal: David is
friendly
and
cooperative.
He has
He is very fond
of his teacher, Miss 0 'Brian, although she sometimes has difficulty with him when he gets "mad." He is alert and responsive in an-
swering questions. His replies are quickly given, but not always to point. He is highly temperamental. When he first came to the Spalding School he made things very interesting for the teacher.
the He
was
put
out of one school because of misconduct.
to be very considerate of others.
the streets. than most
He
spends
He
lots of his time
seems
running
He knows the loop district of Chicago much better living in the city. He has had a broad experience
men
which has not been
particularly wholesome for a boy of his age. nearly every day in the neighborhood of his
He attends the movies home and in the loop.
His home habits are very loose. He stays and doesn't nights get enough sleep for his own good. His mother is at present rather frail, but she does what she can for David. His diet has been regulated at home in accordance with the recommendations of the school nurse. He has a bath at school out late
day, and has a rest period after the bath. Miss 0'Brian expedient has worked wonders with the boy. At first he was very recalcitrant about taking the baths, but he is always glad to go to the shower now. He likes to play baseball and basketball. His ambition is to be a chauffeur. He likes arithmetic and history, but is only fair in arithmetic. He runs errands to earn money. He gambles considerably. He is fond of music, and sings well for a boy his age. every
says this
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
259
Conclusions: This is primarily an emotional case. Particular attention should be given to this side of the boy's nature in order that the proper direction may be given to wholesome reactions and responses.
The teacher
doing just this thing in a very understands the subject, and is doing a
seems to
be
intelligent manner. She piece of constructive work with this individual. His habits of running the streets and staying out late nights should be displaced with others that are more wholesome. The corrective measThe ures relative to diet and cleanliness are being carried out. is of the examination that shows capable subject psychological but marks are school work. The school special good, doing good attention is needed in arithmetic. Eyes should be examined by an
fine
oculist. Case IV.?Tony L. The father
Heredity:
was
born in
Italy,
and is
thirty-five
affiliation is with the Catholic church. He has been in the United States seven years. Is rather easygoing. Bears the reputation of being a kind husband and a good father. Is literate. He works in a freight house and is in good
years of age.
His
religious
health. The mother is twenty-eight years of age, and was born in Bohemia. She has been in the United States only five years. Is a member of the Catholic church. She is impatient and quick tem-
pered. Slaps telligent.
the children upon
slight provocation.
Rather in-
There
are four children in the family?three boys and one All the children are in good health. Teachers state that their conduct and attitude are very good.
girl.
Social
History:
The
family
lives in
a
four-room flat
on
the
and pays sixteen dollars a month rent. The rooms are good size. Plenty of window space. Most modem conveniences in home. They have lived in this one flat three years. The general third
floor,
character of the
neighborhood is good. Developmental History: Talked at one year of age. Crept at Has developed normally. Tony seven months; walked at one year. does not eat very much. His breakfast usually consists of bread and coffee. For lunch he has bread and eggs. At night he has soup and meat. He wears good clothes (for this neighborhood) and is neat in appearance. He has formed the habit of washing his teeth once a day. Is robust and well developed physically.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
2G0
Physical Examination: The subject has some stigmata. He low forehead, crooked teeth, adherent lobules, little hands and short stubby fingers. He had influenza when six years of age. His present state of health is good. Psychological Test: The chronological age is eight years. His mental age is seven years and eight months. He has an intelligence quotient of 101. Personal: This subject is a truant. In disposition, he is happy and sings a great deal. He enjoys teaching smaller children the has
a
songs he learns at school.
He cries without much
cause.
When he
punished he will cry for a time, and then will remain stolid and quiet for hours at a time. He is considerate of others. When there is sickness in the family he is always anxious to help and wait on the one who is ill. At times he says he wants to be a priest, but on the day I interviewed him he expressed the desire of becoming an auto mechanic. He is well thought of by teachers and those who know him, although he showed some disposition toward misconduct the day I observed him. He does not take any interest in girls. His principal told me that he was known to have been guilty of sex practices with other boys. When questioned he answered in a rather low, subdued voice. He was not talkative although he answered all the questions that he was asked. He likes to play baseball. He likes to read such books as "Skinny Harris on a Venture," "Scout Burton," and the "Boy Soldier of 1812." He likes all school subjects although he is poor in arithmetic. Does not have the patience to go over work second time when he makes a mistake. He smokes cigarettes. After admitting that he did smoke cigarettes he followed this up by saying that smoking "spoils your brain." During the past year Tony has done considerable stealing. He has been taking candy, gum, milk, and other things from the neighis
*
borhood stores. taken
as
book.
candy,
much
as
He also steals money from his mother. He has twenty dollars at a time from his mother's pocket-
He gets his closest friends, and treats them generously to sodas, etc., and then they all take in the movies. Several
weeks ago his mother gave him seventy-five cents to go to the drug store and buy some medicine needed in the home. Tony went to two movie shows, staying out late, and when he returned he had neither the medicine
doing, everything.
He always denies any wrong whips him, and then he confesses usually
nor
but his father
the money.
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
261
Sometimes he plays truant from school for a week at a time. He goes to school very much against his own will. The teachers report his conduct and scholarship as both being good, but he is absent
much of the time that he does not do the
quality of school capable. His associates are thoroughly bad. There is a gang of boys in the community that is headed by a boy whose first name is John. He seems to exercise a powerful influence over the other boys. Whenever Tony steals anything he always divides the haul with John. John is the oldest boy of the group. He leads, and the other boys do what he does. It was through John's initiative that Tony first played truant from school. Some of the older persons who are interested in Tony have so
work of which he is
made attempts to get him under the influence of Hull House. Some time ago he was enrolled in a wood-carving class at Hull House, and seemed to
enjoy the work. Conclusion: A close check should be made on Tony to see that he attends school regularly. He should be enrolled in as many recreational activities as possible. The intelligence quotient is high enough for him to do better than average work in school. The one important thing with Tony is to keep him away from and beyond the influence of his associates. The power of the gang leader is bringing about the ruin of this lad. This power must be broken or this boy will surely be a liability to society and not an
asset.
Case V.?Tito V. an Italian. He is a Catholic, and is good throughout the community. He runs an elevator in one of the office buildings in the loop. He earns twenty dollars a week. He takes a good deal of interest in his family. Is a good husband and father. The mother is also Italian. Her condition is not at all good. She is subject to fits of despondency. These are particularly severe during pregnancy. The school nurse said the mother had delusions of persecution by the husband. There are eight children in the family. Social History: The home conditions are described as moderately fair. The mother has struggled hard to make a good home for the husband and the children, but she was not equal to the task either physically or mentaly. She constantly interferes with the
Heredity:
illiterate.
His
The father is
reputation
is
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
262
father when he attempts to correct the child for any misdemeanor misconduct.
or
Developmental History: Very little information was procurable regarding the subject's developmental history. At some time during the early childhood of subject he was stricken with infantile paralysis. His right leg was crippled. He wears a brace constantly. Aside from this, the boy seemed to be rugged and strong. He appears to have plenty of wholesome food at home. His clothes were
clean and well made.
Physical Examination: His teeth are in bad condition. Enlarged tonsils. Slight visual defects in both eyes. Psychological Test: Tito's chronological age is fourteen years. He has a mental age of only nine years. His intelligence quotient is 65. He is classed as feeble-minded in the group of high grade moron.
His reactions
Personal: Tito is
are
slow and immature for his age. He cannot sit still
fidgety and restless. studying. He is not
long
allowed to go out much. His home is in the crowded Italian quarter. The subject is in the fifth grade, but his teacher feels, as do the others with whom I
enough
to do effective
just about reached the limit of his ability in They have been unable to detect very much imfor several months. However, he is beginning to do provement better work in manual training. It would seem advisable for his energies to be turned in the direction of vocational training. He attends the movies about once a week. He likes very much to play baseball. The work that is being done in the school clinic in restoring the crippled children of the Spalding School is most remarkable. At a certain time in the morning of each day Tito goes to the clinic where his crippled leg is massaged and exercised in order to bring back the circulation and build up the muscles. He is always anxious to do any chore or errand he can for the teacher. His attitude is very cooperative. Conclusions: One of the chief benefits the subject can derive from attending school is the treatment he receives in the clinic. talked,
that he has
academic work.
This is invaluable.
He should be taken to the oculist to have his
energies should be directed toward some form of wood-working, or metal work as he cannot profit much more by further study of academic subjects. In addition to physical defects noted, there is undoubtedly some emotional disturbance here that has not been fully recognized. The boy should be carefully examined by a psychiatrist, eyes tested. His manual training,
FIVE PROBLEM CASES
263
There are two points that stand out very prominently in all five of the problem eases studied, namely?heredity and environment. In going through hundreds of files at the Institute for Juvenile Research these two
things impressed themselves idelibly upon investigator. If society could correct these conditions, thousands of children, living and unborn, would be saved the mind of the
for honorable lives and useful service for mankind. As was pointed out in an earlier part of this paper, the cost of delinquency and The policy that has obtained in the past these conditions has been wasteful in the extreme. We
crime is tremendous.
regarding
must come to realize a
soon
situation where human
jails, asylums, In all the
that it is far
beings
can
live
more
economical to have than it is to build
decently
and almshouses.
studied, there heredity has had can be of Nothing greater import of children than a careful study cases
influence which
are
very clear evidences of
the
in the lives of these children. in the education and training of the
early
manifestation of
their nervous responses which lie at the basis of character formations. We need to analyze the emotions of individual children in their elemental state. Practically all very young children The eviare normal so far as neural responses are concerned. dence shows that all five of these children started life under favorable conditions. The circumstances surrounding the pregnancy of the
mothers, with one exception, seemed to be perfectly At about the time they were emerging from the infant stage their troubles seemed to begin. These were due in a large measure to the ignorance of the mothers. This was the time when normal.
These are the days was being given to the future adult. when the experiences of the child fundamentally influence the character and temperament of the man or woman. The facts brought out by this study emphasizes the intimate the trend
relationship that exists between physical defects and the quality of work children do in school. In a large measure, the same statement holds true of environment. John Munroe asserts that, taken in childhood, an individual's life can be made over three or four This is the time when society must do its work in directing potential citizens in right paths. He has come to the conclusion that environment has a great deal to do with the intelligence quotient times.
particular boy or girl. depending upon the character of any
associates.
It may be either raised or lowered of the environment and the type of
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC
264
In the schools of tomorrow, more attention will be given to the individual child. This problem is fundamental. If it is attacked intelligently and scientifically the net result will be a general ton-
ing
up of
society
as a
of individual units.
of,
a
great
whole
as
the social group is
When this situation is
only a composite adequately taken care
economy in both money and human life will have been
affected and human
happiness
and
joy
will much
more
abound.
