Lee W. Frederiksen

Richard M. Eisler

That man is a social being is almost axiomatic. Our interpersonal relation ships can be sources of the most rewarding or the most painful of human experiences. To a large measure our accomplishments in life depend on the facility with which we interact with others-our social skill. The acquisition of social skills is, of course, a natural part of the overall socialization process. However, in many instances it becomes necessary or desirable to develop further an individual's social facilities. Such skill development is the topic of this book. Two major goals were kept in mind in the writing of this book. The first was to provide a conceptual framework within which to view social skills. Such a framework allows one to understand why it is important to develop social skills, and the effects that such skill development should have. If the reader has a thorough understanding of the concept of social skills and their development, it becomes possible to make appropriate innovations and adaptions to his or her own circumstances. Without such a framework, social-skills training becomes little more than a collection of disjointed techniques. Also, without a conceptual understanding, pro cedural innovations are difficult to incorporate into training.

A Guide to Interpersonal Behavior Development

Perfecting Social Skills

Michel Hersen

Peter M. Miller

Progress in Behavior Modification, Volume 1 reviews advances in the understanding of behavior modification, with emphasis on theoretical underpinnings, research findings and methodologies, and assessment techniques. Control of psychophysiological processes and ethical issues in behavioral control are considered, along with the effects of social influences on behavior and the contribution of behavior therapy to the treatment of physical illness. Comprised of eight chapters, this volume begins with a discussion on the evolution of behavior modification, with particular reference to its application as a methodological approach to the study and treatment of psychological disorders. The next chapter offers an interpersonal analysis of depression from theoretical, research, and therapeutic standpoints, followed by an analysis of developments in the behavioral treatment of phobic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The ethical and legal ramifications of behavior therapy are also evaluated, paying attention to court decisions, the issue of patients' rights, and the efficacy of the behavioral approach compared to other systems of treatment. The remaining chapters focus on the contribution of behavior modification to the field of juvenile delinquency; advances in token economy research; individual behavior therapy; and the complementary roles of drugs and behavior modification. This book should be of interest to theoreticians, researchers, or practitioners in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and behavior therapy as well as social work, speech therapy, education, and rehabilitation.

Richard M. Eisler

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