The reorganization of the A.Psa.A. following the Second World War gave the Association the opportunity to capitalize upon a host of favorable circumstances. Among them were the recent leadership role of American psychoanalysis in military psychiatry, the influx of European psychoanalysts, and the national atmosphere of optimism and prosperity. It was natural, then, to re-establish The Bulletin of the A.Psa.A. as a vehicle of communication among analysts, and it was inevitable that it would soon be bulging with synopses of stimulating discussion groups and panels of the Association's meetings. Under the leadership of Dr. John Frosch, the steady development of the Bulletin as a valued organ of scientific communication culminated in the establishment of the Journal of the A.Psa.A. in 1953.
Under the editorship of Dr. Frosch, the Journal attained its current central scientific position while maintaining complete autonomy from outside influences by the rest of the Association. Upon his retirement, Dr. Frosch was designated Editor Emeritus by the Executive Council of the A.Psa.A. in recognition of his services and achievement.
The present editor of the Journal, Dr. Harold Blum, was chosen after a nation-wide search by a special committee of the Council. An analyst of more than fifteen years' experience, Dr. Blum has been a contributor to the psychoanalytic literature for over a decade. His papers demonstrate not only a conceptual, critical, and technical command of our field, but also a striking enthusiasm for psychoanalysis in its clinical as well as its more intellectual aspects. This enthusiasm he now liberally and devotedly lavishes upon the Journal. He has been involved in changing the cover to make a more readable table of contents, negotiating contracts as costs rise, working to increase subscriptions—now exceeding 5000. He is, of course, leading the continuing evolution of editorial policies and selection of personnel, and has the final responsibility for the arduous and delicate process of manuscript-review.
From his reports to Council and his extensive discussions with this interviewer, it is evident that Dr. Blum's major concern is to expand the use of the Journal to foster creative contributions. The careful consideration shown to authors is specially emphasized. Contributors can be sure the evaluation of their submitted manuscripts is truly confidential. Separate reviewers make entirely independent judgments. As much feedback information as possible is provided, whether the paper is accepted, rejected, or returned for revision. The Editorial Board attempts to guide writers toward revision of potentially useful contributions whenever feasible.
The editor is making efforts to encourage analysts to make new contributions to psychoanalysis. He is in a unique position to note the productivity of individual societies and institutes, and he has been attempting to encourage candidates and recent graduates to report on clinical observations. In another direction, he has recommended particular subjects for discussion to analytic organizations in order to stimulate contributions on an important topic.
In a more general sense, Dr. Blum hopes to contribute to a healthy climate for creative endeavors in psychoanalysis. “The Journal will strive to reconcile the paradox of preserving our analytic heritage and at the same time promoting new development and constructive controversy.” To be responsive and readable, varied, informative, and stimulating requires no sacrifice in standards, he feels.
Discussing one particular standard, Dr. Blum is emphatic: “An author has the moral responsibility to maintain confidentiality.” Authors of all accepted papers receive a printed notice from the Editor reminding them of this obligation and urging them to review their material for potential breaches of patients' confidential communications and privacy. Dr. Blum is unwilling, however, to establish at this time any arbitrary rules for disguise or for “informed consent.” Keenly aware of the problems of obtaining “informed” consent during the course of analysis and in many cases long afterward, Dr. Blum hopes that the issue of confidentiality, now so frequently discussed in other contexts, will be studied psychoanalytically by psychoanalysts, perhaps in a panel discussion.
Dr. Blum has recently gained the help of three eminent Assistant Editors. This represents an addition to the Editorial Board. Dr. John Gedo heads the expanded Book Section; Dr. Otto Kernberg is Assistant Editor for Psychoanalytic Research and Education; while Dr. Selma Kramer breaks virtually new ground for the Journal as Assistant Editor for Child Analysis. Dr. Blum believes that the Assistant Editors will work not only to preserve high standards but will promote and stimulate contributions to their areas of special knowledge. In the pursuit of psychoanalytic erudition, he calls upon and depends on the responsiveness of the members of the Association.