ABSTRACT
Problems relating to interpersonal functioning are extremely common amongst clients seeking the help of mental-health professionals. Bryant, Trower, Yardley, Urbieta & Letemendia, for example, report that around 16 per cent of psychiatric outpatients may be judged as experiencing interpersonal problems. Several instruments are available to facilitate assessment at Levels 1 and 2 of the three-tier approach. The 'social situations questionnaire' (Bryant & Trower) for example, gives measures of degree of difficulty in terms of anxiety or discomfort, and frequency of participation in various social events. The 'Gambrill and Richey assertion inventory' measures the degree of discomfort and response probability, but is restricted to a range of assertive behaviours. The 'Watson and Friend social avoidance and distress scale' (SAD) is also useful. This self-report questionnaire assesses the client's tendency to avoid and escape from social interactions and the degree of distress experienced during such interactions.
