Interpersonal Processes in Psychological Problems

People with psychological problems almost always experience difficulties with interpersonal relationships and communication. Are interpersonal difficulties simply the result of psychological disturbance, or can they also precipitate and maintain psychopathology? This book provides an in-depth analysis of interpersonal theories and research findings on frequently encountered mental health problems. It integrates results from hundreds of studies on parent-child relations, marital interaction, personal relationships, communication, and related areas. The focus is on elucidating the role of interpersonal difficulties in the development and persistence of the full range of major psychological disorders: depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, anxiety, alcoholism, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.

Table of Contents:
Origins and Overview of Interpersonal Approaches to Mental Health Problems. Depression. Social Anxiety. Schizophrenia. Bipolar Disorder. Personality Disorders. Eating Disorders. Alcoholism and Other Substance Use Problems. Somatoform Disorders and Psychogenic Sexual Dysfunctions. The Interpersonal Paradigm in Mental Health.

About the Author :
Chris Segrin, PhD, is Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona, where he also holds adjunct appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Family Studies. His research focuses on the role of interpersonal relationships and social skills in psychosocial problems such as depression, loneliness, and anxiety. Current research interests also include family communication and predictors of relational and marital distress. Dr. Segrin's work can be found in such journals as Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Human Communication Research, and Communication Monographs.

Review :
'This book is long overdue! Despite widespread interest in the interpersonal aspects of emotional and behavioural problems over the past 20 years, this is the first book to undertake a comprehensive look at the antecedents and sequelae of particular psychological problems from an interpersonal perspective. With his impressive command of the relevant literatures in clinical, social, and developmental psychology, Segrin has given us an interesting, readable book that will be equally appealing to researchers interested in the interpersonal bases of psychological problems and mental health practitioners of all types.' - Mark R. Leary, PhD, Wake Forest University 'The main contribution of this book is its combination of a strong historical analysis with the clear delineation of an interpersonal approach to understanding mental illness. Stimulating, comprehensive, and extremely well researched and well written, the book describes the emergence of the interpersonal approach and its emphasis on social behaviors, communication, and interpersonal contexts in the life of the 'patient.' Segrin offers a refreshing and novel perspective on the reactions of others to the behavior of the 'disturbed individual,' and also seeks to relate them to the person's conceptions of self as a social being. This is groundbreaking work and offers a truly inspiring set of proposals for future research on mental illness.' - Steve Duck, PhD, University of Iowa 'An interpersonal approach to psychopathology is rich with potential, but until now has lacked a guiding work that is both comprehensive and accessible. It is no surprise that Segrin, a leading interpersonal theorist and researcher, has produced an excellent response to this need. This book is engaging, systematic, and thorough, and will be of real interest to clinicians and students, as well as researchers concerned with psychopathology.' - Thomas Joiner, PhD, Florida State University