T ODAY LARGE MENTAL HOSPITALS are focusing attention upon psychotherapy, ataractics, electroconvulsive therapy, insulin shock therapy and structured group activities as major tools of treatment for the newly admitted patient. In stressing the importance of these procedures it is easy to lose sight of, and hence not fully utilize, the therapeutic potential which may accrue from day-in, day-out ward living and interaction among patients. Routine observation by personnel is often insufficient to capture the full importance of patients’ interpersonal relationships and what they mean to the individual patient in terms of hospital adjustment and improvement. Too often we miss the opportunity to learn at first-hand how the patient really feels about the new and strange environment of a mental hospital admission ward.