Contemporary interpersonal theory and research

Providing a valuable resource for students as well as mental health professionals, Donald J. Kiesler offers both an exhaustive, up-to-the-minute survey of current methods and principles, and a systematic, empirically based approach to interpersonal psychotherapy.

In the first part of the book, the focus is on general principles of personality and maladjustment as viewed from the interpersonal perspective. Dr. Kiesler introduces the interpersonal circle - one of the central conceptual underpinnings of interpersonal theory and practice.

He then explores the importance of the interpersonal circle in both research and clinical applications, including its roles in the assessment of maladaptive behavior, the conceptualization and diagnosis of DSM mental disorders, the analysis of the therapeutic relationship, and the shaping of subsequent interpersonal interventions.

Part 2 is devoted to clinical considerations. Dr. Kiesler provides practical guidelines on interpersonal assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and supervision for a wide range of DSM disorders. Throughout the book, the author reviews the world literature concerning interpersonal theory and practice, critically appraising all important new and emerging concepts, methods, and research trends.