Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization [Paperback]

David W. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0205197671 | ISBN-13: 978-0205197675 | Publication Date: July 12, 1996 | Edition: 6

Reaching Out provides the theory and experience necessary for students to develop effective interpersonal skills. By reviewing current psychological research on how to build and maintain friendships and then integrating this material with a rich array of skill-building exercises, the text provides a thorough and appealing approach to learning about interpersonal skills. Readers acquire the skills and knowledge to do the following: a) get to know and trust each other; b) communicate with each other accurately and unambiguously; c) resolve conflicts and relationship problems constructively; and d) encourage and appreciate diversity. No matter what occupations or relationships students become involved in, their success will largely be determined by how skilled they are interpersonally. With this book, students begin a journey of continuous improvement.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Key Benefit: This book provides the theory and experiences necessary to develop effective interpersonal skills. It reviews current psychological knowledge of how to build and maintain relationships. The theory and exercises are integrated into an experiential approach to learning. Readers learn how to gain the interpersonal skills and knowledge required to (a) get to know and trust each other, (b) communicate with each other accurately and unambiguously, (c) resolve conflicts and relationship problems constructively, and (d) encourage and appreciate diversity. No matter what the present or future career of the reader, their success will be largely determined by how skilled they are interpersonally. With this book, readers begin a journey of continuous improvement. Market: Pre-service and in-service teachers and counselors and anyone interested in improving their interpersonal relationships.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 6 edition (July 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205197671
• ISBN-13: 978-0205197675
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,851,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading, July 29, 2001

By 

Dr. Signe A. Dayhoff "Social Effectiveness Gu... (New Mexico USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization (7th Edition) (Paperback)

What this book clearly demonstrates is that effective interpersonal skills are essential to the development and maintenance of any relationship - from family to friendship to work. That many of the personal and professional problems we experience everyday are the result of inadequate communication skills, lack of trust and self-disclosure, and inability to manage conflicts, anger, and stress.

Of special significance to more than half of the US population who report being shy, the author acknowledges the sometimes devastating impact of social fears on relationships and includes a section on working through shyness.

While the book is about skill building, it isn't just an exercise book. On the contrary, it smartly integrates psychological research data, theory, and exercises into a thought-provoking, readable volume. The approach is get-out-there-and-do-it experiential learning. Even though "Reaching Out" is an excellent text for classroom use, it is also very informative, practical, and useful for the self-help reader.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relationship Basics Reference, May 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization (7th Edition) (Paperback)

If you work with children or young adults this is a "must have" reference book. My first copy was the fourth edition and I continue to purchace new copies as the editions change. This book breaks down into basic teachable elements complex human interactional dimensions. If you do group work in any context you will benifit from its wisdom. I have used this book in public schools at all grade levels, in therapy groups and family sessions, college courses, and to assist teens with improved social relationships. Human services work benifits from the clear and complete presentation of facts.