ABSTRACT
The term social intelligence (SI) refers to “the ability to act wisely in human relations” (Taylor & Cadet, 1989, p. 424). Specifically, it refers to one’s ability to understand interpersonal situations and transactions and to use that understanding to assist one in achieving desired interpersonal outcomes. In short, SI may be considered the cognitive underpinning of social competence and is an important contributor to success in social activities such as work and personal relationships. SI has obvious relevance to the field of disabilities, because children and adults with a variety of handicapping conditions are less likely to demonstrate skill in interpersonal relationships and the attendant success that comes with such skill (Greenspan, 1981b).
