Interpersonal Skills Summary Report

Abstract

Abstract : This report was developed as part of a larger research project designed to identify evidence-based guidelines for the relative effectiveness of different training methods for acquiring and transferring skills involved in complex task domains. Broadly, the current report seeks to provide an update regarding the current state of the science on interpersonal skills (IPS) training. Specifically, this report discusses: 1) the literature review conducted for the broad area of IPS training, 2) literature surveys for six specific IPS with applicability to the U.S. Army, and 3) conclusions regarding the state of the science on IPS training. The broad IPS domain was covered by systematic search of interpersonal skills training research literature for the date range of 2000 through 2012. Skill-specific surveys of the literature covered active listening skill, assertive communication skill, nonverbal communication skill, relationship building skill, negotiation skill, and conflict resolution skill. The broad literature review conceptually frames the IPS domain. The six literature surveys serve as initial orientation to each IPS by providing: working definitions and alternative skill labels, a preliminary summary of the extant research, and a description of the experimental literature available for further detailed review and analysis.