University of Virginia Library

Conference To Explore
Psychological Reactions

Psychological reactions of human
beings exposed to combat,
locked in concentration camps, or
floating in outer space, and experiencing
other forms of stress will be
explored in a two-day conference at
the University April 23 to 24.

The conference on the Psychological
Aspects of Stress, sponsored
by the University's department of
psychiatry and MEND (Medical
Education for National Defense), is
part of the University's continuing
medical education program.

Speakers from around the
country who have delved into
man's reaction to stressful stimuli
and events will discuss their research.
Among the speakers on
April 23 will be Dr. Edward J.
McLaughlin of the space mediating
directorate of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration
in Washington, D.C., who will talk
about stresses experienced by astronauts
in outer space.

John C. Lilly of the Maryland
Psychiatric Research Center in
Catonsville will discuss the psychological
reactions often isolated in
environments which afford no
sensory clues.

Paul Chodoff, clinical professor
of psychiatry at George Washington
University, will discuss his studies
of human reaction to life in a
concentration camp. The psychological
reaction to life-threatening
illnesses will be the topic of Dr.
Thomas P. Hackett of the department
of psychiatry Rounding
out Wednesday's program is Ian
Stevenson, Alumni Professor of
Psychiatry at the University, who
will present a paper entitled "Precognitions
of Disaster."

Two speakers, noted for their
studies of psychological reaction to
combat situations, will highlight the
April 24 session. Dr. Albert J. Glass
of the state department of mental
health in Oklahoma and noted for
his research on the types of stress
experienced by troops in World War
II will discuss the psychological
aspects of emergency situations.

He will be followed by Dr. Peter
Bourne of the department of
psychiatry at Stanford University's
medical center. He has studied
stress from the point of view of
troops in Viet Nam and will discuss
psychological aspects of combat.

Observers to the conference,
which also includes round table
discussions, are expected from
throughout the United States. The
first session is scheduled for the
South Meeting Room of Newcomb
Hill, April 23 at 9 a.m. The
program has been accepted for
prescribed credit by the American
Academy of General Practice.