title: Compassion without illusion.
abstract: This paper describes the present crisis in the mental health system relative to the chronically mentally ill. It asks how we can apply our usual social contract with the sick to noncompliant mental patients. The paper identifies some American assumptions about freedom and individualism that undermine a more effective response and offers alternative assumptions based on the Judeo-Christian tradition that may help resolve some difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Service at Brockton/West Roxbury V.A. Medical Center in Brockton, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Erickson