Social problem solving: Theory, research, and training.

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 and 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. 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 Written 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. Introduction : Social Problem Solving For The Real World / Edward C. Chang, Thomas J. D'zurilla, And Lawrence J. Sanna -- Social Problem Solving : Theory And Assessment / Thomas J. D'zurilla, Arthur M. Nezu, And Albert Maydeu-olivares -- Mediators And Moderators Of Social Problem Solving / Alexander R. Rich And Ronald L. Bonner -- Social Problem Solving, Stress, And Negative Affect / Arthur M. Nezu, Victoria M. Wilkins, And Christine Maguth Nezu -- Social Problem Solving And Suicide Risk / George A. Clum And Greg A.r. Febbraro -- Social Problem Solving And Schizophrenia / Sarah E. Morris, Alan S. Bellack, And Wendy N. Tenhula -- Social Problem Solving And Positive Psychological Functioning : Looking At The Positive Side Of Problem Solving / Edward C. Chang, Christina A. Downey, And Jenni L. Salata -- Social Problem-solving Abilities And Behavioral Health / Timothy R. Elliott, Joan S. Grant, And Doreen M. Miller -- Social Problem Solving And Mental Simulation : Heuristics And Biases On The Route To Effective Decision Making / Lawrence J. Sanna, Eulena M. Small, And Lynnette M. Cook -- Problem-solving Training For Children And Adolescents / Marianne Frauenknecht And David R. Black -- Problem-solving Therapy For Adults / Arthur M. Nezu [and Others] -- Problem-solving Training For Couples / James V. Cordova And Shilagh A. Mirgain -- Problem-solving Training For Families / Sam Vuchinich -- Problem-solving Training For Caregivers / Christine Maguth Nezu, Andrew D. Palmatier, And Arthur M. Nezu -- Social Problem Solving : Current Status And Future Directions / Thomas J. D'zurilla, Edward C. Chang, And Lawrence J. Sanna. Edited By Edward C. Chang, Thomas J. D'zurilla, And Lawrence J. Sanna. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. "We put together a book that would offer readers multiple perspectives, insights, and directions in understanding social problem solving as an important theory that has driven wide-ranging scientific research and as an important means of training to empower and elevate the lives of individuals. We believe that social problem solving can help individuals free themselves from the problems they face or the distress that these problems cause. We recognize that some problems may be difficult or impossible to solve, but we believe that considerable value remains in understanding and promoting effective social problem solving to foster the novel insights and methods in which problems that seem insurmountable ultimately may be conquered in incremental steps, across time and across individuals. Moreover, we believe that problems can be solved in different ways. When problematic situations or circumstances are manageable or controllable, a good problem solver tries to find ways to change them for the better. However, when such situations or circumstances are unchangeable or uncontrollable, one can still use problem solving to find ways to accept and tolerate with less distress that which cannot be changed or controlled"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved) Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Provides coverage on the theory and research in social problem solving. Explores how people navigate their interpersonal worlds and presents methods for teaching problem-solving skills. Emphasis is placed on research and training with families and caregivers of individuals with special mental needs. 200414507-frm 1 2004-14507-001 21 2004-14507-002 38 2004-14507-003 55 2004-14507-004 72 2004-14507-005 88 2004-14507-006 104 2004-14507-007 122 2004-14507-008 139 2004-14507-009 154 2004-14507-010 172 2004-14507-011 193 2004-14507-012 209 2004-14507-013 223 2004-14507-014 239 200414507-bkm 252 200414507-frm......Page 1 2004-14507-001......Page 21 2004-14507-002......Page 38 2004-14507-003......Page 55 2004-14507-004......Page 72 2004-14507-005......Page 88 2004-14507-006......Page 104 2004-14507-007......Page 122 2004-14507-008......Page 139 2004-14507-009......Page 154 2004-14507-010......Page 172 2004-14507-011......Page 193 2004-14507-012......Page 209 2004-14507-013......Page 223 2004-14507-014......Page 239 200414507-bkm......Page 252