Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness And Self-Actualization

by David W. Johnson

This text is focused on the dynamics found in virtually all interpersonal relationships and continues to keep pace with new theory from a balanced, integrated perspective that includes numerous experiential exercises and examples. 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. Text examples provide both contemporary and historical illustrations of how interpersonal skills have had significant effects on important events across many disciplines. Readers acquire the skills and knowledge to do the 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 undertake, their success will largely be determined by how skilled they are interpersonally. With this text, students begin a journey of continuous improvement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

434 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Amanda Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a required book for Physc 100 - self actualization and inter-personal effectiveness. It's a good read and very understandable. It also has a lot of self development ideas/quizzes, ect in it.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a Graduate Counseling Self class at SUNY Brockport, NY. It was excellent. It's an easy read and it has so many very basic insights into interpersonal relationships. Should be a must read for high school and college students.

[Jessica López-Barkl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the textbook I'm currently using for my Speech 102 class. It is very useful and kind of like an Augusto Boal book . So...if you work in any at-risk populations or want to work on communication skills...this is a good workbook.

[Semi-Academic Eric]

4e

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a textbook for school and was honestly one of the better ones I've read. Short easy to read chapters, lots of exercises to immerse yourself in the material and short quizzes to self-test.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read most, but not all, of this book. I would like to finish the later chapters at another time, but it is a textbook, so perhaps by reading an updated version. I found that some of the material I have transcribed and exercises I've done are valuable for review, but some of it can be found in good books on managing teams of people, and especially any good material you can find on improving your *listening skills.* Your listening skills are probably the best thing you have to offer and use. They are not "questioning skills."

This book helped correct my misapprehension of what trust is, and made me better prepared to make bids and reach out to build it with others. I had become so used to people just overlooking me in their quest of personal interests that I was no longer prepared to trust anyone who didn't make clear bids for my attention. Now I pay closer attention to reciprocity, and abandon those who don't offer it - but now I try to bid first, try twice, and then try again if they let an effort lapse. I realized I have more to offer, and need to offer more and more often, than I was doing since getting so gun-shy. Using the specifics laid out in this book about how trust is built, lost, and recovered, I'm less prone to assume I have trust issues that *I* need to fix. I'm actually doing OK. This was a very valuable part of the book to read.