International Sociometry Training Network

The International Sociometry Training Network founded in 2005 by Ann E. Hale directs people to publications, research, training activities and resources related to the field of interpersonal relations. The field of sociometry began with J. L. Moreno, MD, in 1914 as a result of helping resolve medical and emotional crises resettling refugees in Austria who fled war torn northern Italy. The next seventy years of his life were devoted to establishing the field of sociometry within social psychology and psychiatry.

Moreno believed that freedom in its broadest sense is possible if people have the information and skills they need to negotiate their way in the world. In his remarkable text Who Shall Survive? Foundations of Sociometry, Group Psychotherapy and Sociodrama (1934,1953,1978) Moreno referred to techniques of freedom with specific focus on interpersonal and intergroup choice-making.

Sociometry is a study of both the quantitative (the numbers of connections) and qualitative (the nature of connections) interpersonal relations. We explore the choice-making activity of groups of all kinds, examining choices people make for other persons with whom to interact, share time and space, energy and states of consciousness. Sociometry is both a left brained activity and a right-brained activity, with pen and paper, electronic and action components.

Sociometrists assist groups in becoming aware of the impact their choices have on one another as well as other groups. They assist in the sharpening of interpersonal perception, in learning to recognize and intervene in patterns which contribute to group dynamics, role accessibility, act hunger, isolation, burnout, change, impasse and disentegration, as well as those patterns which are crucial to well being across the life span.

Sociometrists work with groups to identify strengths and resources, to examine and broaden the role repertoire, to develop styles for managing conflict with skill and compassion, and to promote ways to be actively attuned to one another on the deepest level of which we are capable. This includes attention to emotional states, personal history, implicit and explicit memory, right brain to right brain patterns of relating, and embracing a wide array of belief systems.

Sociomerists seek ways to enliven interactive processes which make more accessible the spontaneity state, addressing structures which inhibit and distance people from one another. A high value is placed on integration, coherence, empathic processes, authenticity and creative solving of shared concerns.

Sociometrists are currently examining ways to bring the theory and practice of interpersonal neurobiology to the understanding we have of ways we are neuronally wired to be empathic, form attachments, to heal ourselves, our groups and our communities.

SOCIOMETRY QUESTIONS: Answers to sociometry questions are posted on this site. The questions are designed to assist individuals who are studying for certification as practitioners or trainers in the field of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. To join this group and receive occasional emails from others on the list: go to http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/sociometryquestions

PSYCHODRAMA QUESTIONS: A similar online group which is focused on action methods practiced in the field of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. To join go to http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/psychodramaquestions

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