Goal directed informal sessions: their impact on an adolescent unit

Goal Directed Informal Sessions ( GDIS ) were utilized on an inpatient adolescent unit in an attempt to facilitate communication between adolescents and their parents, to neutralize partially the almost universal fantasy that adolescents know more than their respective parents on any given topic, and to maximize the impact of the therapeutic milieu in other ways. The vehicle for the GDIS was discussions of various aspects of human sexuality. Thirty-four adolescents (average age 14.8), their parents, and staff were asked to respond to a questionnaire relating to human sexuality prior to the onset of GDIS . Adolescents speculated that their parents would perform least well. The average test scores for the adolescents, their parents, and staff respectively were: 65 percent, 79 percent and 81 percent. There was no significant difference between the scores of staff and parents. The difference between adolescents' scores and those of the parents and staff was significant (p less than 0.05). Framework for the GDIS is outlined, and illustrative vignettes are offered. Based on one year's experience, GDIS are recommended for other adolescent facilities.