«Vocês têm um problema e precisam de falar connosco sobre isso, mesmo que não queiram»

Parece que os tais mineiros chilenos por vezes têm se recusado a falar com a equipe de psicólogos que foi destacada para os acompanhar, argumentando que não têm problema psicológico nenhum; a reacção dos psicólogos tem sido cortar-lhes o acesso à televisão quando os mineiros não querem falar com eles.

We know best: doctors tussle with miners:

Monitoring the mental health of the miners is itself a challenge. For the initial two weeks after they were found alive, the miners assented to daily hour-long conference calls, in which psychologists peppered them with questions in an attempt to build a profile of the group and the individual members.

As the miners regained weight and strength, however, their antagonism to the daily sessions increased. ''If there is one group that is not exactly disposed to psychologists it is miners,'' said Dr Rodrigo Figueroa, a psychiatrist with Chile's Catholic University who was hired by the Chilean government to monitor the mental health treatment.

(...)


In an effort to dominate the miners, the team of psychologists led by Mr Iturra has instituted a series of prizes and punishments. When the miners behave well, they are given TV and mood music. Other treats - like images of the outside world are being held in reserve, as either a carrot or a stick should the miners become unduly feisty.

In a show of strength, the miners have at times refused to listen to the psychologists, insisting that they are well. ''When that happens, we have to say, 'OK, you don't want to speak with psychologists? Perfect. That day you get no TV, there is no music - because we administer these things,''' said Dr Diaz. ''And if they want magazines? Well, then they have to speak to us. This is a daily arm wrestle.''

 [Via Marginal Revolution]