Teaching interpersonal skills: a model for facilitating optimal interpersonal relations.

This article draws upon the results of a series of studies involving observations of interviews involving psychiatric patients and their friends, and between psychiatric patients and nurses. A two-dimensional structure of interpersonal behavior is described. Three principles of effective interpersonal relations are detailed, including interpersonal complementarity, interpersonal versatility, and interpersonal influence. Research results that indicate how psychiatric patients have trouble exercising these principles are reported. A three-phased assessment, intervention, and reassessment approach to facilitating interpersonal skills in patients is detailed. A counselor-teacher approach to the treatment of psychiatric patients is recommended.