LABORTHERAPHY FOR THE PROMOTION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH FROM THE SOCIONOMY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Introduction: The term Labortheraphy, mentioned by doctor Jacob Levy Moreno, pioneer of Socionomy, is the science that studies the social laws and is structured in three branches (Sociometry, Psychodrama/Sociodrama, Sociatry) having been created by him in the first decades of the 20^th century. Objective: This article aims to: Redeem the meaning of the concept of Labortheraphy; Present Moreno´s experience as an occupational physician, especially an example of his practice in a laundry and; Emphasize the importance of using socionomic methods to provide the space for expression and subjective mobilization of workers. Methodology: In his actions, Moreno used individual interviews (to verify the reasons of the choices or rejections) before and after the group reorganization and the sociogram, a procedure based on sociometry that allows the diagnosis and comprehension of conflicts and the intervention in group methodologies aiming to resolve relationship conflicts, and improve aspects of work organization. Results: According to Moreno, the result was promising because the group was rearranged, and the interpersonal conflicts were remarkably reduced, consequently increasing the production for a reduced working time. Those experiences revealed that sociometry as a way to promote group cohesion is a promising approach for the promotion of occupational health. Final Considerations: Our experiences in the occupational health field, by using socionomic methods recommended by Moreno, revealed that the socionomic approach is relevant, once, in addition to providing the space for expression and subjective mobilization of workers, it confirmed the therapeutic function of that methodology.