Slavson, S. R. (Samuel Richard), 1890-1981

Samuel Richard Slavson was a pioneer in the field of group psychotherapy, and his career spanned nearly 60 years.

From the description of Papers, [ca. 1905-1981]. (New York University). WorldCat record id: 477059827

S.R. Slavson was a psychologist, teacher, writer, poet and labor activist born in the Ukraine on December 25, 1890. Slavson arrived in New York at age 13 after his family's escape from the pogroms in Russia. While struggling to support himself, Slavson sought to educate himself. In the process, he acquired an interest in poetry and literature, as well as a proclivity for science. After reading Rousseau's Emile, he began to embrace the ideals of socialism, and became a member of the Socialist Party in 1904. These political leanings brought him to the labor movement where he was instrumental in the formation of the Ladies Garment Workers Union.

Slavson attended evening school at the Cooper Union and graduated with a B.S. in Engineering. Subsequently, he studied briefly at Columbia Teachers College. After a number of positions in education, he gradually became immersed in the study of child psychology, which, coupled with his interest in social justice, led to Slavson's emergence as a pivotal figure in modern psychology and psychoanalysis. In 1934 Slavson was made director of Group Therapy at the Jewish Board of Guardians where he served until retiring in 1956. Besides his ceaseless work at developing innovative ways to deal with the psychological issues of urban youth, Slavson consulted frequently with numerous other mental health facilities during his tenure. From 1956-1968, he continued his work and shaped new theories on the treatment of delinquent adolescents and institutionalized psychotics. Until his death in 1981, he wrote prolifically, often lectured, and was frequently honored by his peers and colleagues.

Sources:

From the guide to the S.R. Slavson Papers, 1905-1981, (New York University Archives)