Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Interpersonal Sensitivity and Social Problem-Solving: Relations with Academic and Social Self-Esteem, Depressive Symptoms, and Academic Performance

  • Published:
Cognitive Therapy and Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study investigated the relation betweeninterpersonal sensitivity and social problem-solving aspredictors of three outcomes in a college population (N= 207): self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and academic performance. Consistent with predictions,interpersonal sensitivity was related to problem-solving-- in particular, negative problem orientation. Bothinterpersonal sensitivity and social problem-solving were significant predictors of self-esteem anddepressive symptoms, each accounting for uniquevariance. Interpersonal sensitivity was a significantpredictor of academic performance, for both males and females. However, in females, social problemsolving was not related to academic performance. Inmales, negative problem orientation and dysfunctionalproblem-solving styles were important aspects of problem solving related to academic performance. Theresults are discussed in terms of the identification of“at risk” college students.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  • Arean, P. A., Perri, M. G., Nezu, A. M., Schein, R. L., Christopher, F., & Joseph, T. (1993). Comparative effectivness of social problem-solving therapy and reminiscence therapy as treatments for depression in older adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 61, 1003-1010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck, A. T. (1967). Depression:Clinical, experimental, and theoretical aspects. New York: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blankstein, K. R., Flett, G. L., & Batten, I. (1989). Test anxiety and problem-solving self-appraisals of college students. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 4. 531-540.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blankstein, K. R., Flett, G. L., & Johnston, M. E. (1992). Depression, problem-solving ability, and problem-solving appraisals. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48, 749-759.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blankstein, K. R., Flett, G. L., & Watson, M. S. (1992). Coping and academic problem-solving ability in test anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48, 37-46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blatt, S. J. (1995). The destructiveness of perfectionism, American Psychologist. 12, 1003-1020.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyce, P., Hickie, I., & Parker, G. (1991). Parents partners or personality? Risk factors for post-natal depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 21, 245-255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyce, P., Hickie, I., Parker, G., Mitchell, P., Wilhelm, K., & Brodaty, H. (1992). Interpersonal sensitivity and the one-year outcome of a depressive episode. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 26, 156-161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyce, P., & Parker, G. (1989). Development of a scale to measure interpersonal sensitivity. Australia New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 23, 341-351.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyce, P., Parker, G., Barnett, B., Cooney, M., & Smith, F. (1991). Personality as a vulnerability factor to depression. British Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 106-114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyce, P., Parker, G., Hickie, I., Wilhelm, K., Brodaty, H., & Mitchell, P. (1990). Personality differences between patients with remitted melancholic and nonmelancholic depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 147, 1476-1483.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyd, J. H., Weissman, M. M., Thompson, D., & Myers, J. K. (1982). Screening for depression in a community sample: Understanding the discrepancies between depression symptoms and diagnostic scales. Archives of General Psychiatry, 39, 1195-1200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, G. W., & Harris, T. (1978). Social origins of depression. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, E. C., & D'Zurilla, T. J. (1996). Relations between problem orientation and optimism, pessimism, and trait affectivity: A construct validation study. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34, 185-194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coyne, J. C., & Whiffen, V. E. (1995). Issues in personality as diathesis for depression: The case of sociotropy-dependency and autonomy-self-criticism. Psychological Bulletin, 118, 358-378.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cutrona, C. E., & Russell, D. (1990). Type of social support and specific stress: Toward a theory of optimal matching. In I. G. Sarason, B. R. Sarason, & G. R. Pierce (Eds.), Social support: An interactional view (pp. 319-366). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davey, G. C. L., Jubb, M., & Cameron, C. (1996). Catastrophic worrying as a function of changes in problem-solving confidence. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 20, 333-344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, J., Zisook, S., Giller, E., & Helms, M. (1989). Symptoms of interpersonal sensitivity in depression. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 30, 357-368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Derogatis, L. R. (1983). The SCL-90 R: Administration, scoring, and procedures manual II. Baltimore, MD: Clinical Psychometric Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dugas, M. J., Letarte, H., Rheaume, J., Freeston, M. H., & Ladouceur, R. (1995). Worry and problem-solving: Evidence of a specific relationship. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 19, 109-120.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Zurilla, T. J. (1986). Problem-solving therapy: A social competence app roach to clinical intervention. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Zurilla, T. J., & Goldfried, M. R. (1971). Problem-solving and behavior modification. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 78, 107-126.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Zurilla, T. J., & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (1995). Conceptual and methodological issues in social problem-solving assessment. Behavior Therapy, 26, 409-432.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Zurilla, T. J., & Nezu, A. (1982). Social problem-solving in adults. In P. C. Kendall (Ed.), Advances in cognitive-behavioural research and therapy (Vol. 1, pp. 201-274). New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Zurilla, T. J., & Nezu, A. M. (1990). Development and preliminary evaluation of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2, 156-163.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Zurilla, T. J., Nezu, A. M., & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (in press). Manual for the Social Problem-solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R). North Tonawanda, NY: Multi-Health Systems, Inc.

  • D'Zurilla, T. J., & Sheedy, C. F. (1991). The relation between social problem-solving ability and subsequent level of psychological stress in college students. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61, 841-846.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Zurilla, T. J., & Sheedy, C. F. (1992). The relation between social problem-solving ability and subsequent level of academic competence in college students. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 16. 589-599.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, T. R., Godshall, F. J., Herrick, S.M., Witty, T. E., & Spruell M. (1991). Problem-solving appraisal and psychological adjustment following spinal cord injury. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 15, 387-398.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, T. R., Godshall, F., Shrout, J. R., & Witty, T. E. (1990). Problem-solving appraisal, self-reported study habits, and performance of academically at-risk college students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 37, 203-207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, T. R., Herrick, S. M., & Witty, S. M. (1992). Problem-solving appraisal and the effects of social support among college students and persons with physical disabilities. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 39, 219-226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, T. R., Herrick, S. M., MacNair, R. R., & Harkins, S. W. (1994). Personality correlates of self-appraised problem solving ability: Problem orientation and trait affectivity. Journal of Personality Assessment, 63, 489-505.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, T. R., Sherwin, E., Harkins, S. W., & Maramarosh, C. (1995). Self-appraised problem-solving ability, affective states, and psychological distress. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 42, 105-115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, T. R., Shewchuk, R., Richeson, C., Pickelman, H., & Franklin, K. W. (1996). Problem-solving appraisal and the prediction of depression during pregnancy and in postpartum period. Journal of Counseling and Development, 74, 645-651.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flett, G. L., & Blankstein, K. R. (1994). Worry as a component of test anxiety: A multidimensional analysis. In G. C. L. Davey & F. Tollis (Eds.), Worrying: Perspectives on theory, assessment and treatment (pp. 135-181). Chechester, England: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flett, G. L., Blankstein, K. R., Occhiuto, M., & Koledin, S. (1994). Depression, self esteem, and complex attributions for life problems. Current Psychology, 13, 263-281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flett, G. L., Blankstein, K. R., Pliner, P., & Bator, C. (1988). Impression-management and self-deception components of appraised emotional experience. British Journal of Social Psychology, 27, 67-77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flett, G. L., Pliner, P., & Blankstein, K. R. (1989). Depression and components of attributional complexity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56, 757-764.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gotlib, I.H., (1984). Depression and general psychopathology in university students. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 93, 19-30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, D., & Bartholomew, K. (1994). Models of the self and other: Fundamental dimensions underlying measures of adult attachment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67, 430-445.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haaga, D. A. F., Fine, J. A., Roscow Terrill, D., Stewart, B. L., & Beck, A. T. (1995). Social problem-solving deficits, dependency, and depressive symptoms. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 19, 147-158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haines, M. E., Norris, M. P., & Kasky, D. A. (1996). The effects of depressed mood on academic performance in college students. Journal of College Student Development, 37, 519-526.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heppner, P. P., & Anderson, W. P. (1985). The relationship between problem-solving self-appraisal and psychological adjustment. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 9, 415-427.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heppner, P. P., Hibel, J., Neal, G. W., Weinstein, C. L., & Rabinowitz, F. E. (1982). Personal problem solving: A descriptive study of individual differences. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 29, 580-590.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heppner, P. P., & Krauskopf, C. J. (1987). An information processing approach to personal problem-solving. The Counseling Psychologist, 15, 371-447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanner, A. D., Coyne, J. C., Schaefer, C., & Lazarus, R. S. (1981). Comparison of two modes of stress measurement: Daily hassles and uplifts versus major life events. Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 4, 1-39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kant, G. L., D'Zurilla, T. J., & Maydeu-Olivares, A. (1997). Social problem-solving as a mediator of stress-related depression and anxiety in middle-aged and elderly community residents. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 21, 73-96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lennen, H., Herzberger, S., & Nelson, H. F., (1987). Depressive attributional style: The role of self esteem. Journal of Personality, 55, 631-660.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lerner, M. S., & Clum, G. A. (1990). Treatment of suicidal ideators: A problem-solving approach. Behavior Therapy, 21, 403-411.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maydeu-Olivares, A., & D'Zurilla, T. J. (1996). A factor-analytic study of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory: An integration of theory and data. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 20, 115-133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Metalsky, G. (1992). Extension of the Rosenberg Self esteem Questionnaire to assess achievement-related, interpersonal-related, as well as global self esteem. Unpublished raw data.

  • Nezu, A. M. (1985). Differences in psychological distress between effective and ineffective problem solvers. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 32, 135-138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nezu, A. M. (1986a). Efficacy of a social problem-solving therapy approach for unipolar depression. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 196-202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nezu, A. M. (1986b). Negative life stress and anxiety: Problem-solving as a moderator variable. Psychological Reports, 58, 279-283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nezu, A. M. (1987). A problem-solving formulation of depression: A literature review and proposal of a pluralistic model. Clinical Psychology Review. 7, 121-144.

  • Nezu, A. M., & D'Zurilla, T. J. (1989). Social problem-solving and negative affective conditions. In P. C. Kendall & D. Watson (Eds.), Anxiety and depression (pp. 285-315). Toronto: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nezu, C. M., Nezu, A. M., & Houts, P. S. (1993). Multiple applications of problem-solving principles in clinical practice. In K. T. Kuehlwein & H. Rosen (Eds.), Cognitive therapies in action (pp. 353-378). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nezu, A. M., & Perri, M. G. (1989). Social problem-solving therapy for unipolar depression: An initial dismantling investigation. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 57, 408-413.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nezu, G. F., & Ronan, G. F. (1987). Social problem-solving and depression: Deficits in generating alternatives and decision making. The Southern Psychologist, 3, 29-34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paulhus, D. L. (1991). Measurement and control of response bias. In J. P. Robinson, P. R. Shaver & L. S. Wrightsman (Eds.), Measures of personality and social psychological attitudes (pp. 17-59). Sandiego, CA: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radloff, L. (1977). The CES-D Scale: A self-report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied Psychological Measurement, 1, 385-401.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, M., (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sacco, W. P., & Graves, D. J., (1984). Childhood depression, interpersonal problem-solving, and self ratings of performance. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 13, 10-15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sadowski, C., & Kelly, M. L. (1993). Social problem-solving in suicidal adolescents. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 61, 121-127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sadowski, C., Moore, L. A., & Kelley, M. L. (1994). Psychometric properties of the social problem-solving inventory (SPSI) with normal and emotionally disturbed adolescents. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 22, 487-500.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sher, K. J., Wood, P. K., & Gotham, H. J. (1996). The course of psychological distress in college: A prospective high-risk study. Journal of College Student Development, 37, 42-51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, R. J., Arnkoff, D. B., & Wright, T. L. (1990). Test anxiety and academic competence:A comparison of alternative models. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 37, 313-321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, L. Heppner, P. P., & Berry, T. R. (1997). Role of gender-related personality traits, problem-solving appraisal, and perceived social support in developing a mediational model of psychological adjustment. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 44, 245-255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson,D., & Clark, L. A., (1984). Negative affectivity: The disposition to experience aversive emotional states. Psychological Bulletin, 96, 465-490.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, D., Weber, K., Smith Assenheimer, J., Clark, L. A., Strauss, M. E., & McCormick, R. A. (1995). Testing a tripartite model: I. Evaluating the convergent and discriminant validity of anxiety and depression symptom scales. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 104, 3-14.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Randi E. McCabe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kirk R. Blankstein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jennifer S. Mills
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

McCabe, R.E., Blankstein, K.R. & Mills, J.S. Interpersonal Sensitivity and Social Problem-Solving: Relations with Academic and Social Self-Esteem, Depressive Symptoms, and Academic Performance. Cognitive Therapy and Research 23, 587–604 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018732707476

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018732707476

Search

Navigation