SELF-CHANGE: Strategies for Solving Personal Problems

Basic tips for bewildered problem solvers. Psychologist Mahoney acknowledges that he cannot promise happiness or guarantee even limited success; what he proffers are techniques that emphasize personal problem-solving as a matter of skill rather than of will. Dieters, alcoholics, those suffering bouts of depression or anxiety, etc., are encouraged to apply a scientific mode of self-inquiry--specifying the problem, collecting and evaluating information about possible causes and solutions, experimenting with the solution, and revising the solution as necessary. Somewhat limp case histories are invoked to illustrate the mechanics of each step: ""I know I'm feeling badly, but I just can't seem to put my finger on it or to figute out why."" Then: additional brief discussions of common personal problems, a quick description of relaxation techniques--standard fare most appropriate to those whose self-evaluation requires an infinitely detailed map.