The twelve cases described in this book have been selected from patients receiving treatment in three psychiatric clinics in Chicago: the Institute for Juvenile Research, the Department of Neuropsychiatry of Michael Reese Hospital, and the University of Chicago.

The author describes a three-fold purpose: '(1) to convey a content of knowledge in the field of human behavior; (2) to impart understanding of the utilization of psychiatric concepts in case-work practice; and (3) to promote understanding of basic case-work principles and processes as utilized in a clinical setting'. Her first objective seems more nearly to have been reached in her own introduction