Making a friend in youth : developmental theory and pair therapy /

Friendships form a foundation upon which close relationships are established and preserved throughout life. The forming of close peer relationships does not always evolve easily and may result in disappointment or isolation. This book is a therapeutic approach based on principles of development to explain a child's growing capacity for making and keeping friends. Beginning their work with the theoretical, clinical, and research efforts of the Group for the Study of Interpersonal Development, Selman and Schultz formulated a unique treatment labeled "pair therapy." Selectively paired children carry out challenging activities together, with the help of a therapist, and reflect on the success of their mutual efforts. Several pairs in treatment are described, and their actions are compared and interpretated to illustrate the theories as well as the progress of the pairs. This exercise demonstrates how developmental theory, empirical research, and clinical practice may effectively increase the understanding of normality and pathology in psychosocial development. These theories and innovative techniques will particularly interest advanced undergraduate and graduate readers concerned with the interpersonal relations of troubled children and early adolescents. -C. R. Harper, emeritus, Mott Community College