The Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis: Bulletin No. III Group Factors in Civilian Morale

The enemy attempts, by his words and phrases, to damage our interdependence and united action. It is his design to make us feel divided, small, alone, deserted, helpless. He introduces the notion that our allies are deserting us, he spreads ideas of dissension, splitting and hatred. This is calculated to weaken our morale and make us susceptible to the feeling that panic is inevitable.

We must vigorously reject this idea that panic is inevitable. Man is much better able to withstand shock, danger and threats of danger than we have given him credit for. In England, psychiatrists and psychologists were prepared for widespread panic which never took place. Children and adults alike have shown a surprising capacity for coping with fear. This capacity to cope with fear depends upon social attitudes more than is generally realized. The first important step then in the promotion of emotional health is to appreciate the fact that man, the civilian, has the potentiality to go out and meet considerable danger and shock without going to pieces.

The high morale of the English after Dunkirk, was to a great extent, the reaction to catastrophe. Imminent danger and fear brought the people together and led to an increased mutual respect and the realization that they needed each other. They could then work together with greater cooperation and effectiveness than ever before.

Therefore, in our long term planning for emotional stability, we must foster and facilitate the whole idea of inter-relationship in home life, school life business life, social life, community life. Our interdependence, our need for each other must be recognized as a fundamental basis for human welfare. It must be developed by planned cooperation and exploration of mutual interests. The primary reason for getting together should be social integration. Activity should not depend upon selfish interests but upon a desire to be mutually helpful.