Harry Stack Sullivan's idea of participant observation, especially the "participant" aspect, was influenced by his background in anthropology and his training in psychoanalysis.
Sullivan was trained in psychoanalysis and worked with several prominent psychoanalysts, including Adolf Meyer, who emphasized the importance of understanding the individual's social and cultural context in shaping their mental health and behavior. This approach was known as psychobiology, and it emphasized the importance of integrating social and cultural factors into the study of psychology.
Sullivan also had a background in anthropology, and was interested in the study of culture and social interaction. He believed that the study of mental health and behavior should be grounded in a deep understanding of the individual's social and cultural context, and that this understanding could only be achieved through a process of participant observation.
Participant observation involves immersing oneself in the social context being studied, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, beliefs, and values of the individuals within that context. Sullivan believed that this approach was essential for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of human behavior, and for developing effective interventions for mental health issues.
Sullivan's emphasis on participant observation was also influenced by his own personal experiences of social isolation and exclusion, and his belief in the importance of interpersonal connections and relationships for mental health and well-being. He believed that by participating in social interactions and relationships, individuals could develop a sense of belonging and connectedness that was essential for their mental health and well-being.
Overall, Sullivan's idea of participant observation, especially the "participant" aspect, was influenced by his background in anthropology and his training in psychoanalysis, as well as his own personal experiences and beliefs about the importance of social interaction and relationships for mental health and well-being.
