ABSTRACT
In this book I distinguish social skills from socialization. I define social skills as those skills necessary to be able to socialize effectively. These skills include assertiveness, anger management, teamwork, articulating an opinion, etc. Patients may attempt to socialize with others but, with poor skills, they will alienate others. Another possibility is that poor social skills will lead the patients to retreat from social situations that they find overwhelming. For example, if they have no idea how to behave at a wedding reception, they will not accept wedding invitations. If they lack skills in assertiveness, they will retreat when supervisors challenge them.
