scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERPERSONAL PROBLEM SOLVING, POSITIVE - NEGATIVE AFFECT AND ANXIETY

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet BEDEL ◽  
Author(s):  
Bailee L. Malivoire ◽  
Naomi Koerner

Abstract Background: Interpersonal dysfunction has been proposed as an important maintenance factor in chronic worry and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Perceptions of problems and the problem-solving process as threatening, and unhelpful (e.g. avoidant, impulsive) problem-solving styles are implicated in worry and have also been suggested to be associated with dysfunctional interpersonal styles. Aims: The present study assessed the relationships between interpersonal dysfunction and problem-solving orientation, approach, and effectiveness in a sample of individuals high in chronic worry and investigated the indirect effect of interpersonal dysfunction on GAD symptom severity through negative problem-solving beliefs and approaches. Method: Fifty-nine community participants completed questionnaires and an interpersonal problem-solving task. Results: Greater interpersonal dysfunction was significantly associated with greater negative problem-solving orientation and greater habitual avoidant and impulsive/careless problem-solving styles. Greater interpersonal dysfunction was associated with poorer effectiveness of solutions when the task problem involved conflict with a romantic partner. Negative problem-solving orientation fully mediated the relationship between interpersonal dysfunction and GAD symptoms. Conclusions: These findings support that problem-solving processes are implicated in interpersonal dysfunction and that negative beliefs about problem-solving account for the relationship between interpersonal dysfunction and GAD symptoms. Theoretical implications are discussed.


1995 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Davila ◽  
Constance Hammen ◽  
Dorli Burge ◽  
Blair Paley ◽  
Shannon E. Daley

Author(s):  
Laura J. Dietz ◽  
Rebecca J. Weinberg ◽  
Laura Mufson

Chapter 2 of Family-based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) for Depressed Preadolescents presents the basic principles of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and of interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents (IPT-A), empirically supported interventions for depression in adults and adolescents. IPT is a structured, time-limited treatment for depression that identifies one of four interpersonal problem areas (i.e., grief, role transitions, role disputes, and interpersonal deficits) that may be related to an individual’s onset of symptoms. IPT seeks to reduce depression by helping patients improve their relationships with others through effective communication and interpersonal problem-solving. IPT-A is a developmental adaptation that is designed to treat adolescents, ages 12 to 18 years, with depression. Both models include three phases of treatment (initial, middle, and termination), as well as a large psych educational component and a focus on helping depressed patients acquire better communication and problem-solving skills.


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