Throughout history, philosophers have argued that the capacity to solve problems successfully in the real world is a crucial component for one's well-being. Psychologists have since been looking to understand the nuances of problem solving specifically as it applies to the self-directed cognitive-behavioral process by which an individual, couple, or group attempts to identify or discover effective solutions for problems encountered in everyday living. From this researchers are developing training methods in which people can learn to solve problems effectively and positively thereby leading to generalized and durable behavior changes.
In Social Problem Solving: Theory, Research, and Training, readers will find a nice balance of theory and research in social problem solving as well as practical methods and training approaches. Because of the widespread relevance of social problem solving, this book is not only for researchers and mental health practitioners, but also for students and other readers who would like to maximize their effectiveness and success in dealing with real and complex problems in everyday living. --- from the publisher Contents: List of Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Edward C. Chang, Thomas J. D'Zurilla, and Lawrence J. Sanna Part I. What is Social Problem Solving? Chapter 1. Social Problem Solving: Meaning, Models, and Measures
Thomas J D'Zurilla, Arthur M. Nezu, and Albert Maydeu-Olivares Chapter 2. Mediators and Moderators of Social Problem Solving
Alexander R. Rich and Ronald L. Bonner Part II. Social Problem Solving and Adjustment Chapter 3. Social Problem Solving, Stress, and Negative Affect
Arthur M. Nezu, Victoria M. Wilkins, and Christine Maguth Nezu Chapter 4. Social Problem Solving and Suicide Risk
George A. Clum and Greg A. R. Febbraro Chapter 5. Social Problem Solving and Schizophrenia
Sarah E. Morris, Alan S. Bellack, and Wendy N. Tenhula Chapter 6. Social Problem Solving and Positive Psychological Functioning
Edward C. Chang, Christina A. Downey, and Jenni L. Salata Chapter 7. Social Problem-Solving Abilities and Behavioral Health
Timothy R. Elliott, Joan S. Grant, and Doreen M. Miller Chapter 8. Social Problem Solving and Mental Simulation
Lawrence J. Sanna, Eulena M. Small, and Lynnette M. Cook Part III. Problem Solving Training/Therapy Chapter 9. Problem-Solving Training for Children and Adolescents
Marianne Frauenknecht and David R. Black Chapter 10. Problem-Solving Therapy for Adults
Arthur M. Nezu, Thomas J. D'Zurilla, Marni L. Zwick, and Christine Maguth Nezu Chapter 11. Problem-Solving Training for Couples
James V. Cordova and Shilagh A. Mirgain Chapter 12. Problem-Solving Training for Families
Samuel Vuchinich Chapter 13. Problem-Solving Therapy for Caregivers
Christine Maguth Nezu, Andrew Palmatiere, and Arthur M. Nezu Part IV. Conclusion Chapter 14. Social Problem Solving: Current Status and Future Directions
Thomas J. D'Zurilla, Edward C. Chang, and Lawrence J. Sanna Author Index
Subject Index
About the Editors About the Editors:
Edward C. Chang is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology and a Faculty Associate in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies at the University of Michigan. He received his B.A. in psychology and philosophy from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He completed his APA-accredited clinical internship at Bellevue Hospital Center-New York University Medical Center. He is on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Cognitive Therapy and Research, Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, and the Asian Journal of Social Psychology. He has published numerous articles and chapters on optimism and pessimism, perfectionism, social problem solving, and cultural influences on behavior. Dr. Chang is the editor of Optimism and Pessimism: Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice (2001, American Psychological Association) and Self-Criticism and Self-Enhancement: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications (forthcoming, American Psychological Association), and is a co-editor of Virtue, Vice, and Personality: The Complexity of Behavior (2003, American Psychological Association). Thomas J. D'Zurilla is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University. He received his B.A. in psychology from Lafayette College and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Several decades ago, Dr. D'Zurilla spearheaded a new area of study on the role of social problem solving in adjustment and the efficacy of problem-solving training/therapy as a treatment and prevention method. His seminal article with Marvin R. Goldfried, "Problem Solving and Behavior Modification" (1971, Journal of Abnormal Psychology) was recognized as a Citation Classic in Current Contents (No. 50, December, 1984). Since the publication of this classical article, Dr. D'Zurilla has published numerous theoretical and research articles on these topics. He is also co-author with Arthur M. Nezu of the second edition of Problem-Solving Therapy: A social competence approach to clinical intervention (1999, Springer Publishing Co.), and is co-author with Arthur M. Nezu and Albert Maydeu-Olivares of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory (SPSI-R): Technical manual (2002, Multi-Health Systems, Inc.). His writing have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and French. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, The Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology, and the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy). Lawrence J. Sanna is an Associate Professor in the Social Psychology Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Sanna has previously held positions at Bucknell University and Washington State University, and was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Michigan. He has taught a variety of courses related to social and personality psychology, and he has published numerous articles in the areas of social cognition, personality processes, social judgment, and group influences. Dr. Sanna is coauthor of Group Performance and Interaction (1999, Westview Press), and co-editor of Virtue, Vice, and Personality: The Complexity of Behavior (2003, American Psychological Association). He also currently serves on the editorial boards of the journals Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, European Journal of Social Psychology, and Basic and Applied Social Psychology. |
