Understanding Interpersonal Effectiveness

Effective interpersonal relationships rely on both a stable sense of self and spontaneity in emotional expression (Linehan, 2015). Successful relationships also require a capacity for self-regulation and tolerance of emotionally painful stimuli. Individuals with emotion dysregulation often experience interpersonal dysregulation, such as chaotic relationships, and may engage in frantic attempts to keep significant individuals from leaving them (Linehan, 2015). A highly anxious individual may try to keep a significant other around at all times as a safety behavior (Linehan, 2015). Unfortunately, problems with anger and jealousy often ruin intimate relationships and friendships; and envy and shame can lead to avoidance of others (Linehan, 2015). 

Therefore, the interpersonal effectiveness skills aim to teach an individual how to ask for they want and say no whilst maintaining self-respect and relationships with others.