Enhancing the Motivation and Skills Needed to Overcome Interpersonal Problems

Lack of systematic emphasis on motivational considerations is discussed as a major reason for limited generalization and maintenance of skills learned in social-skills training programs. In this connection, motivation is explored as a primary focus of interventions designed to help individuals overcome interpersonal problems. Specifically, it is suggested that strategies to improve skills for interpersonal functioning are best accomplished in interaction with systematic strategies to enhance motivation for avoiding and overcoming interpersonal problems.